Warning: Massive traffic jams hit commuters in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi
Heading back to work or school? These roads are best avoided if you're in a hurry
Dubai: Early morning commuters in the UAE encountered serious delays as they headed back to work and school on Sunday, due to multiple road accidents and congestions.
Dubai’s major highways, including those near residential neighbourhoods, schools and roundabouts, were met with gridlocks, and among the worst hit are Sharjah residents heading to Dubai.
In Abu Dhabi, at least two traffic accidents delayed commuters at past 8am, while tailbacks spanning over 3.5 kilometres on the perennially jammed Dubai-Sharjah Road also continued to hound motorists.
09:22 #Accident on E12 Shk Khalifa Bin Zayed Hwy after Yas Island petrol station towards Saadiyat Island cleared @AbuDhabiDoT #uaetraffic
— Abu Dhabi Traffic (@ad_traffic) October 21, 2018
08:06 #Accident on Al Khaleej Al Arabi St opposite to Zayed Sports city outbound, Left lane blocked. Use caution @AbuDhabiDoT #uaetraffic
— Abu Dhabi Traffic (@ad_traffic) October 21, 2018
At past 9am, Sharjah commuters heading towards Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road and passing through the roundabout near National Paints were likewise caught in a massive traffic jam.
Sharjah commuters experience long tailbacks as they head towards Dubai. (Google map)
Within Dubai, the roundabouts in Zabeel Park, Satwa and Dubai International Financial Centre, as well as some inner roads in Karama leading to the ADCB Metro Station, are best avoided. Driving towards the first interchange on Shaikh Zayed Road isn’t a good idea either.
Commuters passing through the interchange, including those exiting Downtown Dubai and those heading towards Jumeirah and Abu Dhabi directions were experiencing serious delays. Drivers in Studio City, Dubai Internet City and Al Barsha were not spared.
Traffic jams near the first interchange in Dubai. (Google map)
Delays were also experienced on Ras Al Khor Road, especially the sections near Dubai Design District and Ras Al Khor Wildife Sanctuary.
Slow-moving traffic on the Ras Al Khor Road. (Google map)
In Abu Dhabi, traffic congestions and delays inconvenienced motorists on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Road, as well as those traversing the area after Al Shawamekh bridge. Motorists driving towards Saadiyat island experienced delays as well.
Authorities said an accident occurred on Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, just opposite the Zayed Sports City roundabout at 8:06am.
Another road mishap on E12 Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway after Yas Island petrol station, towards the direction of Saadiyat island, was reported at 8:36am.
UAE residents have been experiencing worse traffic since schools re-opened in September, after a long summer break. Road accidents, coupled with closures, have also contributed to congestions.
An estimated 1.6 million students returned to schools on the first day of class last September 2. Traffic jams are at their worst usually in the beginning of the week.