A reader's traffic travelogue

I always try to get an early start to the office, as I am keen to see the silence of the city and perhaps have the opportunity to photograph some exquisite early morning scenes.

Those golden days of Abu Dhabi are now gone as Salam Street has been partially closed for development and many other areas have diversions in place. Driving in the city is not fun anymore.

I start my day by going into a thick flow of traffic, joining the stream of vehicles that try to push through to schools in the Mussafah area, through Salam Street.

As we inch forward, I tune in to my favourite radio stations, listen to the daily banter and try matching their songs with my mood of the day. By the time I reach the first traffic signal and cross it, I get to see several scenes of impatience peak. I often see motorists reading newspapers, eating breakfast and even applying make-up. Others answer phone calls on their mobile phones, without a hands-free set.

Such behaviour worries me. I have to anticipate which direction they would turn next, as I cannot see them holding the steering wheel or indicating. Quick prayers always help, and I ask the Almighty to be with me as I try to reach safely and on time.

Moving on to Muroor Road and cutting across the Airport Road, the traffic is worse. Switching between the radio channels, I try to gauge what is happening and often find that the traffic congestion seems to be clearer in Dubai. As I finally arrive at my workplace, I am grateful but — wait a minute, I need a parking spot!

- The reader is an Abu Dhabi-based technical officer and community reporter for Gulf News.