Oman Has the Fastest Traffic and Shortest Commute Times in the Arab World

According to the latest Numbeo Mid-Year 2024 Traffic Index, Oman has been ranked as the least congested Arab country and one of the most efficient in terms of traffic flow globally. On average, commuters in Oman spend only 19.9 minutes in traffic each day.

In comparison, this is a significantly shorter commute time. For example, in Lagos, Nigeria, the average daily commute time is 68.8 minutes, the longest in the world. In Dubai, residents spend an average of 36.3 minutes in traffic, almost double that of Oman’s commuters.

The report ranks Oman 161st globally in terms of traffic congestion, making it the least congested city in the Arab world. Following Oman in the Arab region are Doha with an average of 29.2 minutes, and Jeddah with an average of 30.5 minutes.

Brig-Eng. Ali Sulayem Al Falahi, Director General of Traffic at Royal Oman Police, stated in an interview: “Undoubtedly, Oman’s roads are among the best in the world, having achieved advanced positions in their quality over the past twenty years, including being ranked tenth in the world.”

He also highlighted that Oman is the least congested among the Gulf countries, with an average delay of no more than 20 minutes for distances over fifty kilometers, which he considered a good rate for travel time.

The Numbeo Traffic Index also reported high levels of congestion in cities like Los Angeles, Colombo, Delhi, and Dhaka, where commuters face extreme delays.

Oman’s success in maintaining efficient traffic flow is attributed to well-maintained infrastructure, low population density, and strategic urban planning. The country’s efforts align with its Vision 2040 strategy, aimed at improving the quality of life and sustainable development in various sectors, including transportation.