Schools restarted on Monday following a two-month summer break, leading to expected temporary traffic congestion in school zones and nearby roads. Experts and educators attribute occasional traffic jams near schools to parents lingering longer to drop off or pick up their children. To mitigate these traffic challenges, schools across all emirates have established designated parking and crossing areas, complemented by a skilled security team to oversee and guide traffic, ensuring a smooth flow for both parents and students.
Matthew Burfield, Senior Vice President – Education, GEMS Education and Executive Principal/CEO, GEMS Founders School – Dubai, highlighted significant investments by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). He noted, “When we opened this school nine years ago, there was a single-lane road at the front. Now, we have a six-lane highway at the front and an RTA car park along the back of the school zone.” Despite these improvements, challenges persist during peak hours. Burfield encourages parents to arrive early, suggesting that the congestion is manageable if everyone does not arrive at the same time. He anticipates a smooth transition after the initial week.
School leaders advocate for a proactive approach to traffic management, involving regular meetings with all schools and their representatives along the road to coordinate schedules. The road near GEMS Founders, which features several other schools, including GEMS Al Barsha National School and Dubai Heights Academy, has seen adjustments in school timings to avoid peak congestion. Burfield explained, “We adjust our timings, and try to ensure that the 10-15 minute windows are spread out. We start very early, opening our gates at 7am, while other schools like Brighton College open later, creating a balanced schedule.”
School buses play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion, ensuring students' safe and timely arrival while easing vehicle flow during peak hours. Burfield emphasized, “We have bus routes across all of Dubai with over two thirds of the kids coming to school on buses. This effectively manages traffic in our school, as buses are given priority for entering and exiting the site.”
To facilitate a smooth start to the school year, some institutions provided parents with a handbook detailing the traffic management plan. Sarah Weaver, Principal at Mamoura British Academy, noted, “We have a comprehensive Traffic Management Plan in place to ensure the highest safety standards for our students. It’s crucial that families know where to go and park, which is supported by meticulous planning and excellent signage.” Schools have also implemented dedicated parking and crossing points, managed by proficient security teams to ensure a seamless transition for parents and students.
Tracy Crowder-Chloe, Principal, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, mentioned, “We have our dedicated senior leadership team stationed at every gate and drop-off point to assist parents. We are working closely with the Saadiyat Management office to promptly address any traffic issues and find solutions on the spot.” Additionally, schools have been reminding families to park and drive safely, encouraging them to walk to school if they live nearby.
