Many commuters travelling between Sharjah and Dubai say they are spending more time on the road, particularly during the evening rush hour, as major infrastructure projects get underway.
Sharjah residents are already adjusting their routines as major road projects and traffic diversions roll out across the emirate, with many bracing for months of longer commutes before the expected improvements take effect.
The works, including the Al Taawun Tunnel project and other traffic enhancement initiatives, aim to ease congestion in the long term. However, for now, many commuters travelling between Sharjah and Dubai say they are spending more time on the road, particularly during the evening rush hour.
In response, some residents are considering flexible work schedules, trying alternative routes, and even adjusting their after-work plans to avoid peak traffic hours.
Abbas W., who lives in Buhairah and works in Dubai, said his drive home on Thursday took nearly two hours—far longer than usual. “If this becomes the new normal for the next few months, we have to adapt rather than complain,” he said.
Abbas added that he plans to start work earlier and leave slightly later to avoid peak traffic hours. He is also trying different routes, including roads with more traffic signals but fewer bottlenecks.
“Sometimes a longer route on the map turns out to be faster because traffic keeps moving. I am also looking at interior roads to see if they save time,” he said.
For some residents, the shifting traffic conditions are also changing their after-work routines. Emad Al Faqi, a resident of Al Taawun, said congestion has increased since Thursday and is expected to continue for a few months as construction progresses.
“We know that for a couple of months more this may continue. Once the projects are completed, it will be easier for all of us,” he said.
Instead of heading straight home after work, Emad plans to make better use of the time. “I’ll finish work and go to the gym near my office in Al Quoz. By the time I am done with my workout, traffic would hopefully have eased,” he said.
He added that this new routine could help him avoid peak-hour congestion while also supporting a healthier lifestyle.
Some residents are also looking to employers for greater flexibility during the construction period.
Ankit Ram, an accountant who works in Deira and lives in Sharjah, said he is considering requesting adjusted office hours. “I am planning to request a later login and logout so that I can avoid the worst of the traffic,” he said.
According to Ankit, even small changes in working hours can significantly reduce commute times for Sharjah–Dubai travellers. “Leaving just 30 minutes earlier or later can sometimes save an hour on the road. Flexible timings during this period could help many employees,” he said.
He added that longer commutes affect not only productivity but also family time after work.
