Comparative Risk Assessment of Commuting Traffic Congestion in Dubai

The traffic congestion related to peak commuting hours can create multiple effects on public health, environmental conditions and economic stability. Because of the unique nature of Dubai in terms of urban planning, population expansion, car dependence in addition to being a tourist and economic hub in the Gulf, Dubai's sufferers regular traffic congestions during peak commuting hours. In this study we applied used Comparative Risk Assessment (CRA) framework to evaluate and rank five selected major congestion related threats. The five identified threats are traffic related air pollution, commuter stress, noise pollution, productivity loss and transport greenhouse gas emission. The CRA relied on the published data by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the world air index data (AQICN) and other previously published studies. Our analysis shows that air pollution exposure and commuter stress share the highest composite scores (more than 4/5). This signals urgent need for integrated mitigation straggles. The study discussed some evidence based innovative solutions such as congestion responsive low emission zones, flexible work policies and micro mobility expansion and propose phased implementation to maximize the overall benefits for health, environment and carbon footprint. The study demonstrates how CRA can guide urban mobility policy in rapidly growing cities like Dubai.