Oman Leads Arab World with Shortest Commute Times

For anyone in Oman feeling frustrated by the daily commute, a recent survey offers some good news: Oman has some of the shortest commute times in the Arab world. According to Numbeo’s Mid-Year 2024 Traffic Index, Oman ranks as the least congested city in the Arab region and one of the world’s most efficient cities for traffic flow.

Quick Commutes Compared to Regional and Global Cities

Omani commuters spend an average of just 19.9 minutes in traffic each day. This is in stark contrast to the 68.8 minutes drivers face daily in Lagos, Nigeria, the world’s most congested city. In nearby Dubai, residents spend around 36.3 minutes in traffic, almost double Oman’s average.

Numbeo’s survey ranks Oman 161st globally in terms of traffic congestion, a low ranking that underscores Oman’s unique position as the least crowded Arab city traffic-wise.

Following Oman in the Arab region are:

• Doha: 29.2 minutes daily
• Jeddah: 30.5 minutes daily
• Abu Dhabi: 32.9 minutes daily
• Riyadh: 32.5 minutes daily
• Kuwait: 34.5 minutes daily
• Dubai: 36.3 minutes daily

Insights from Oman’s Traffic Authorities

Brigadier Engineer Ali Sulayem Al Falahi, Director General of Traffic at the Royal Oman Police, emphasized the efforts behind Oman’s efficient road network. “The Sultanate’s roads are among the best in the world,” he said, noting that Oman ranks tenth globally for road quality. Al Falahi highlighted that Oman’s congestion levels are significantly lower than other Gulf nations, with average travel delays not exceeding 20 minutes even for distances over 50 kilometers.

He attributed these results to collaborative efforts among traffic authorities, infrastructure planners, and law enforcement, all of whom work to ensure that road designs, maintenance, monitoring, and public awareness align to keep traffic flowing.

Infrastructure and Urban Planning: Keys to Success

Oman’s traffic success stems from well-maintained infrastructure, low population density, and strategic urban planning. Recent road projects and bridges have boosted connectivity, easing commutes for residents and supporting Oman’s Vision 2040, a strategy aimed at enhancing quality of life through sustainable infrastructure.

Additionally, Numbeo’s Traffic Index highlights global congestion hotspots such as Los Angeles, Colombo, Delhi, and Dhaka, cities where growth in vehicle numbers often outpaces infrastructure. Oman’s performance in the Index demonstrates that strong planning and coordinated efforts can lead to smoother, less stressful commutes even as urban areas expand.

Oman as a Model for Other Cities

Oman’s low congestion and high-quality roads suggest it could serve as a model for cities facing high traffic issues. The Traffic Index provides valuable data on commuting, traffic satisfaction, CO₂ emissions, and inefficiencies, helping cities worldwide find effective solutions to reduce congestion and improve residents’ daily lives.

With ongoing improvements and sustainable transportation initiatives, Oman’s traffic management remains a benchmark in the Arab world, showing how thoughtful planning can benefit both residents and tourists alike.