During the summer months in Dubai, a surprisingly small number of residents chose to stay in the city. Those who did often relished the quieter roads, allowing them to indulge in a few extra minutes of sleep before heading out, yet still managing to reach their destinations punctually. However, with the arrival of fall, taxi usage has surged dramatically. The combination of hectic lifestyles, unrelenting summer heat, and the sheer convenience of ride-hailing services has led to a noteworthy increase in demand for taxis across the city. In fact, ride-hailing platform Hala reported a jump in bookings of 25 to 30 percent this September compared to the previous month. What accounts for this newfound busyness? When is the optimal time to leave home? Which areas should be avoided to minimize travel times? Let’s explore these questions.
Dubai Taxi Guide: Understanding the Surge in Road Traffic
As taxi journey times have noticeably increased, it is evident that the roads are becoming busier once again. This uptick is primarily attributed to residents returning from summer vacations and the resurgence of social activities as Dubai transitions into its cooler months. A representative from Hala confirms this trend, stating, “It gets busier as schools reopen and residents come back to the city. Improved activity levels across the city, thanks to the more favorable weather, also contribute to this increase.” So, it seems that it’s not just the children who are feeling the post-summer blues. However, with the cooler weather comes a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Dubai Taxi Guide: What Time is Best to Travel?
Your travel time can vary significantly depending on your destination and the time of day. In the mornings, it’s advisable to book your taxi as early as possible since Hala indicates that traffic is particularly congested between 8 AM and 10 AM. If you plan to travel in the afternoon, it’s wise to steer clear of the school run rush that occurs between 3 PM and 5 PM. When it comes to the evening, there’s a brief window between 5 PM and 6 PM where taxi availability is relatively good, although you’ll need to be cautious of the influx of commuters returning home from work between 5 PM and 7 PM. After 7 PM, the traffic should ease up a bit.
In summary, the ideal times to hail a cab for a quicker journey are before 8 AM, between 11 AM and 3 PM, and after 7 PM. However, if you have work obligations, don’t take this as a free pass to leave whenever you please.
Dubai Taxi Guide: Areas to Avoid for Smooth Travel
If you are particularly averse to traffic jams, there are certain areas of the city that are best avoided during the busier months. While these neighborhoods are bustling with attractions, it might be worth your patience to wait for a less hectic travel period or simply accept a longer ride. The locations where traffic tends to be heaviest are typically those with high population density and significant employment hubs. The neighborhoods to watch out for include:
- Al Barsha
- Barsha Heights/Tecom
- Business Bay
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Dubai Media City
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