Introduction to Work-Life Balance
For many individuals, long commutes and the struggle to maintain a work-life balance have become increasingly difficult. Thamjid Mohamed Sidhik, a resident of Sharjah, is one such example. He moved to Al Warqa to shorten his commute and reduce traffic stress, allowing him to spend more time with his family.
The Cost of a Shorter Commute
Sidhik’s decision to move came with a significant price tag, as his rent more than doubled from 42,000 DH to 90,000 DH. However, the benefits of a shorter commute, which now takes only 20 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening, outweighed the costs. Sidhik’s experience is not unique, as many residents and employees in the UAE are making similar decisions to improve their work-life balance due to increasing traffic congestion.
The Rise of Traffic Congestion
The overload on UAE streets has increased considerably, particularly after residents returned to the country from their summer break. According to Salik’s H1 2025 presentation, the number of registered active vehicles was 4.56 million, compared to 4.17 million in the same period of the previous year. This increase in traffic has led to a growing change in employee priorities, with many re-evaluating their daily commute and its effects on productivity, well-being, and personal time.
Shifting Employee Priorities
Pedro Lacerda, Country Head of UAE at Tasc Group, notes that employees are becoming more conscious of their time and the long hours spent on the road. This has led many to consider relocating closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and stress. This change not only helps employees but also enables them to pursue personal interests and build individual costs.
The Search for New Homes
The fast growth and increasing population of UAE cities have led to a noticeable shift in what residents are looking for in new homes. Svetlana Vasilieva, head of secondary sales at Metropolitan Premium Properties, explains that residents are increasingly looking for real estate that is close to their workplaces and schools. This trend is driven by the desire to achieve a better work-life balance and minimize time spent in traffic.
Improvement of Lifestyle
Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Real Estate, notes that Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure is extraordinary, with a road system that can easily handle at least 50% more traffic. This means that traffic jams are not a daily problem, unlike in other cities. In contrast, moving closer to work in Abu Dhabi is often a lifestyle upgrade, providing access to premium apartments, top-class schools, waterfront views, retail destinations, and leisure activities.
Conclusion
In summary, the thoughtful infrastructure and urban design of Abu Dhabi mean that moving closer to work is not only about reducing commuting time but also about improving daily life. Districts such as Al Reem Island, Maryah Island, Raha Beach, Saadiyat, and Yas Island offer a range of living opportunities, from modern apartments to spacious family villas, providing the perfect mix of closeness to work and high quality of life.
