Planning a road trip during Eid holidays? Prepare for long queues, snarling traffic

Eid holiday road trip

Planning a Road Trip During Eid Holidays? Be Prepared for Long Queues and Snarling Traffic

With Eid holidays just around the corner, many residents in the UAE are gearing up for road trips to nearby destinations such as Oman or the Northern Emirates. However, before you hit the road, it’s essential to be aware of the potential challenges you may encounter, including long queues and heavy traffic.

Residents who embarked on similar journeys during previous Eid holidays and long weekends have shared their experiences, highlighting the frustrations they faced while stuck in traffic for hours on end.

One such resident, Eimaad Hassan from Sharjah, recounted his trip to Khorfakkan last Eid, which usually takes under one and a half hours. However, due to the overwhelming traffic, the journey stretched to over three and a half hours, turning what was supposed to be a leisurely outing into a test of patience.

Similarly, Mohammed Ootom shared his ordeal of visiting Ras Al Khaimah's Jabel Jais during Eid last year. The roads were congested, particularly on Mohammed bin Zayed Road in RAK, making the evening journey challenging. Even reaching the peak of Jabel Jais, which typically takes about 20 minutes, turned into a two-hour ordeal due to heavy traffic.

Abdullah Yaseen, a Lebanese expat residing in Dubai, experienced similar congestion when he traveled to Hatta during the last long weekend. Many people found themselves arriving home as late as 6 in the morning after celebrating New Year's in the serene town of Hatta, underscoring the traffic congestion on popular routes during holidays.

Furthermore, residents who ventured to Oman during previous National Day holidays also faced significant delays at the border. Muqsith, an engineer working in Business Bay, shared his experience of waiting nearly two hours at the border due to heavy traffic. Such delays not only wasted valuable time but also left travelers feeling exhausted upon reaching their destination.

Additionally, some travelers had to cancel their trips altogether due to issues with vehicle registration. Tobin, a Dubai resident, had to forego his trip to Oman because the car he was driving was registered under his father's name. Despite having all the necessary documentation, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC), he was denied exit at the border, resulting in financial losses due to canceled reservations.

To avoid such hassles, it is imperative to ensure that the vehicle you're driving is registered under your name and to carry all necessary documentation. Checking the status of border crossings and planning alternative routes can also help mitigate delays and ensure a smoother journey.

As residents gear up for Eid holidays and plan their road trips, it’s essential to be prepared for potential challenges such as long queues and heavy traffic. By staying informed, planning ahead, and taking necessary precautions, travelers can make the most of their holiday getaway while minimizing disruptions caused by traffic congestion.