For Thamjid Mohamed Sidhik, battling long commutes and striving for a work-life balance was increasingly difficult. To gain more quality time with his family and lessen traffic woes, he decided to relocate his home and workplace.
Living in Sharjah, Sidhik moved to Al Warqa to cut down on his commute, though it meant a significant rise in rent.
“Previously, my commute took an hour in the morning and an hour and 15 minutes in the evening. Now, it’s just 20 minutes in the morning and about 30 minutes on the way back. However, the cost was high, as my rent jumped from Dh42,000 to Dh90,000. Despite the financial strain, I prioritized time for my health and family, compelling me to move,” he shared in an interview with Khaleej Times.
Stay updated with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Photo: Thamjid Mohamed Sidhik
Executives in recruitment and real estate in the UAE note that many residents are following Sidhik’s footsteps, relocating closer to work to improve their work-life balance amid rising traffic.
Traffic congestion in the UAE has grown significantly as residents return from summer breaks before schools reopen.
Salik’s H1 2025 report shows active vehicle registrations rose to 4.56 million in Q2 2025 from 4.17 million the previous year.
Changing Employee Priorities
“We see a notable shift in employee priorities concerning work-life balance. Traffic surges in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead professionals to rethink their commutes’ impact on productivity and personal time.
“Employees value time more, and long commutes prompt many to move closer to work. This reduces stress and allows more family time or personal pursuits,” said Pedro Lacerda, UAE country head at TASC Group, to Khaleej Times.
Photo: Pedro Lacerda
“Many are also making their commutes more mindful. Some use the time for audiobooks, podcasts, or learning, turning hours into productive or relaxing moments. Carpooling or ride-sharing also helps reduce costs and build camaraderie,” he added.
As cities grow, Svetlana Vasilieva, head of secondary sales at Metropolitan Premium Properties, notes a shift in housing priorities.
“More are seeking homes near work and schools, driven by a desire for better work-life balance and less commuting time. The appeal of avoiding traffic is strong. Many working in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) now prefer living within DIFC or nearby Downtown for proximity to work,” she explained.
Vasilieva added that most Metropolitan Premium Properties’ employees also prefer relocating close to their offices.
Photo: Svetlana Vasilieva
Enhancing Lifestyle
Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO at Metropolitan Capital Real Estate, highlights Abu Dhabi’s superior infrastructure, with roads, bridges, and transport networks well ahead of demand.
“Our roads can handle 50% more traffic, unlike cities like London or Tokyo where congestion is routine,” he said.
“In Abu Dhabi, moving closer to work often means a lifestyle upgrade, offering premium housing, top schools, waterfront views, and leisure amenities, all within planned communities,” he added.
Photo: Evgeny Ratskevich
He explained that areas like Al Reem Island, Maryah Island, and Yas Island offer a variety of residential options, combining work proximity with quality living.
“In summary, Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure and urban planning ensure that moving closer to work isn’t just about shorter commutes—it’s about enhancing daily life in a city designed for efficiency and well-being,” concluded Ratskevich.
