Rising congestion is changing where UAE residents choose to live, with many now prioritising homes near their workplaces. The Inrix Global Traffic Report shows Dubai motorists lost 45 hours to traffic in 2025, up from 35 hours in 2024. Similarly, the TomTom Traffic Index reports that a 10-kilometre drive now takes 19.1 minutes on average, highlighting slower speeds and heavier road use. Commuters between Dubai and the Northern Emirates face even tougher conditions, losing around 460 hours annually — nearly 60 working days. As a result, buyers and renters are willing to pay more and accept smaller spaces to cut commute times. Communities offering schools, retail, gyms, and green spaces are in higher demand. With projects aligned to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, convenience and balanced living are driving property decisions.
