As the new academic year began in the UAE, traffic jams were reported on Monday morning on many roads, with most key roads turning yellow due to the influx of school and college buses. Parents were requested by educational institutions to drop off their children on the first day, leading to crowded roads around schools. Anticipating heavier traffic, many motorists started their journeys earlier, especially those with children to drop off before heading to work.
Traffic congestion started as early as 6.30am on key Dubai-Sharjah roads as life returned to normal after the two-month summer break. To navigate the traffic, many motorists relied on navigation applications like Google Maps, Waze, and Yango Maps to find alternate routes and reach their destinations on time. Around a million students returned to schools on Monday, adding to the traffic flow across the emirates, with most being transported by school and college buses.
During the summer holidays, traffic would usually start to build up around 7am on busy roads like Al Ittihad Road (E11), which connects Dubai with Sharjah. However, on the first day of school, traffic jams started much earlier than usual, around 6.15am. Residents were aware of the increased traffic and planned their day accordingly, starting their journeys earlier to avoid being late. Similarly, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road (E311) also experienced heavy traffic, especially from Al Zahia City Centre towards Dubai.
In Abu Dhabi, roads around Zayed City, Al Muntazah, and other areas showed some traffic during the early hours of Monday as students returned to school. Many motorists adjusted their schedules and routes using navigation applications to find less congested roads and reach their destinations on time. With the heavy traffic on the first day of school, it highlighted the importance of planning ahead and being mindful of increased congestion during peak hours.
As the new academic year begins, it is crucial for drivers to anticipate heavier traffic flow, especially around schools and major roads in the UAE. Planning ahead, starting journeys earlier, and using navigation apps can help in navigating through traffic congestion and ensuring timely arrival. With the return of students to schools and colleges, traffic patterns are expected to normalize as the academic year progresses, but being prepared for increased congestion on the first day can help in avoiding delays. Stay updated with the latest traffic news and plan your routes effectively to minimize commute time during peak hours.
