Drivers commuting from Dubai to the Northern Emirates spend about 460 hours a year in traffic, equal to 60 working days.
People in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly choosing to buy or rent homes in residential communities near their workplaces, prioritising access to key amenities such as schools, gyms, and shopping to avoid growing traffic congestion.
With proximity to the office shifting from a convenience to a priority, residents are willing to compromise on space and pay higher prices for properties closer to work, recognising the benefits for productivity and reduced commuting time.
Rising Traffic Drives UAE Residents to Prioritise Homes Near Work
According to the TomTom Traffic Index, motorists in Dubai spent more time on the roads in 2025. The average travel time for a 10-kilometre drive rose to 19.1 minutes, up from 13.7 minutes in 2024, driven by population growth and increased vehicle numbers.
The report also found that the average distance driven in 15 minutes fell slightly to 7.8 kilometres, and rush-hour speeds dropped to 26.3 km/h, one kilometre slower than the previous year. Similarly, the Inrix Global Traffic Report showed Dubai motorists lost 45 hours to traffic in 2025, up from 35 hours in 2024. For commuters between Dubai and the Northern Emirates, approximately 460 hours are lost annually — equivalent to 60 working days, according to Yogesh Bulchandani, CEO and founder of Sunrise Capital.
“This translates directly into buyer behaviour. In many ways, time has become the ultimate luxury,” he said.
Compromising on Space and Price
Harrison Rackham-Beadle, sales director at haus & haus, said rising traffic congestion is reshaping where residents choose to live. “For those commuting daily into Dubai, being close to work has become a priority, even if it means compromising on space or paying more. Flexible working arrangements, however, allow some tenants to prioritise lifestyle, amenities, and community over commute times, depending on individual circumstances.”
Ahmed Hashish, head of sales at HRE Development, noted that proximity to work has moved from being a convenience to a priority. “Time has become one of the most valuable currencies in the UAE. Long commutes are prompting residents to rethink quality of life. Many buyers actively seek homes that reduce daily friction, even if it means adjusting budget or location preferences.”
Communities in Demand
Hashish highlighted that well-integrated communities are particularly appealing, offering residents the ability to live, work, and socialise within the same ecosystem. “Developments with schools, retail outlets, green spaces, fitness facilities, and everyday essentials within walking distance are highly attractive, especially for families and professionals seeking to minimise driving. The appeal goes beyond convenience; it’s about creating an efficient, balanced lifestyle.”
He added that buyers are increasingly selective and lifestyle-driven. “Communities that reduce dependency on long commutes outperform purely residential projects. Today’s demand is for integrated living environments that enhance wellbeing and productivity, not just square footage.”
Bulchandani also noted that areas anchored by top-tier schools consistently outperform the broader market, with families willing to pay a premium for educational proximity. “With at least 100 new private schools expected by 2033 and Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan promoting mixed-use developments blending residential, commercial.
