Dubai drivers may have noticed that roads across the city are significantly busier than normal this week, with longer queues, packed Metro stations, and slower travel times during peak hours. The reason behind the congestion is the arrival of two huge international exhibitions taking place simultaneously in the emirate.
Thousands of visitors from around the world are currently in Dubai for major healthcare and medical industry events, placing additional pressure on the city’s transport network and busy road system.
The World Health Expo 2026, previously known as Arab Health, is being hosted at Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai, while WHX Labs Dubai, formerly Medlab Middle East, is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Together, the events are expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors, exhibitors, and professionals from more than 180 countries, making this one of the busiest weeks of the year for Dubai traffic.
Why Dubai Roads Are So Busy This Week
The World Health Expo is one of the largest healthcare exhibitions in the world and attracts medical professionals, technology companies, hospital leaders, and healthcare experts from across the globe.
More than 235,000 specialised visitors are expected to attend the event throughout the week. Meanwhile, WHX Labs Dubai at Dubai World Trade Centre is also expected to attract over 35,000 attendees between February 10 and February 13.
With two massive events happening at the same time in different parts of the city, Dubai’s roads, taxis, and public transport services are experiencing unusually high demand.
Drivers can expect heavier congestion around key areas including:
- Sheikh Zayed Road
- Expo City Dubai
- Dubai World Trade Centre
- Al Khail Road
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
Travel times during morning and evening rush hours are also expected to increase noticeably throughout the week.
Dubai Metro Is Expected To Be Much Busier
Authorities and event organisers are encouraging visitors to use Dubai Metro instead of driving whenever possible.
For visitors attending the World Health Expo at Expo City Dubai, the Dubai Metro Red Line offers direct access via Expo 2020 Metro Station. The exhibition centre is located around five to ten minutes away on foot, with clear signposted walking routes available for attendees.
Metro services connecting to Dubai World Trade Centre are also expected to be extremely busy, particularly during event opening and closing hours.
Passengers travelling to DWTC should use the Red Line heading toward Centrepoint.
Because of the large number of international visitors using public transport, passengers should expect crowded trains and longer waiting times during peak periods.
Officials also recommend using Silver or Gold Nol Cards for multi-day travel, while Red Tickets are suitable for occasional journeys.
Park & Ride Options Are Available
To reduce pressure on central roads, several Park & Ride facilities are available for visitors attending the World Health Expo.
Drivers can park their vehicles at selected Metro stations before continuing their journey using Dubai Metro.
Available Park & Ride locations include:
- Centrepoint Metro Station
- e& Metro Station
- National Paints Metro Station
- max Metro Station
These facilities are expected to help reduce congestion around Expo City Dubai while giving visitors easier access to the event.
Taxi Demand Has Increased Across Dubai
Taxi demand has also surged this week due to the high number of visitors attending the events.
Careem, Uber, and RTA taxis are operating heavily around both Expo City Dubai and Dubai World Trade Centre, meaning wait times may be slightly longer than usual in busy areas.
Ride-hailing services have also introduced discounted offers for event attendees travelling to the venues.
For Expo City Dubai, pick-up and drop-off areas are located at South Mobility, while visitors attending the DWTC event can use designated zones near Sheikh Rashid Hall and Sheikh Rashid Tower Parking.
Bolt taxis are also operating near Dubai Exhibition Centre, offering additional transport options for visitors.
Residents are advised to book rides earlier than usual during peak times, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Free Shuttle Buses Are Helping Visitors Travel
Special shuttle bus services have been introduced to help move attendees between venues and nearby transport hubs.
At Expo City Dubai, free shuttle buses are connecting South Mobility with Dubai World Trade Centre and other parking areas.
Additional shuttle buses are also transporting visitors between North and South exhibition halls and nearby parking zones.
Public buses remain available as well, with regular services operating between Expo 2020 Metro Bus Interchange and surrounding locations every 20 to 30 minutes.
For visitors attending WHX Labs Dubai at DWTC, several RTA bus routes are operating along Sheikh Zayed Road and nearby areas.
Parking Costs Have Increased Near DWTC
Drivers planning to travel directly to Dubai World Trade Centre should also be aware of higher parking charges during major events.
Public parking rates around DWTC have increased to Dhs25 per hour during the exhibition period, meaning visitors could face significant parking costs if staying for long hours.
Meanwhile, Expo City Dubai is offering around 10,000 free parking spaces for World Health Expo attendees.
Visitors heading to South Halls are advised to use parking zones such as P1, P2, P4, and P5, while those attending events at North Halls are encouraged to use P8 parking along with shuttle bus services.
Leave Earlier To Avoid Delays
With two global events bringing massive crowds into Dubai this week, authorities are advising residents and visitors to leave earlier than normal, plan journeys in advance, and use public transport whenever possible.
Traffic congestion is expected to remain heavy throughout the week, particularly during peak commuting hours and around major exhibition venues.
For smoother journeys, Dubai Metro and Park & Ride options are likely to be the fastest and most convenient ways to travel during this busy period.
FAQs About Dubai Traffic This Week
Dubai traffic is busier than normal because two major international events are taking place at the same time — World Health Expo 2026 at Expo City Dubai and WHX Labs Dubai at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Heavy congestion is expected around Sheikh Zayed Road, Expo City Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and nearby business districts.
Yes, Dubai Metro is expected to be significantly busier due to the large number of visitors attending both events across the city.
Visitors attending World Health Expo should use Expo 2020 Metro Station on the Dubai Metro Red Line.
Using Dubai Metro, leaving earlier than usual, and avoiding peak travel hours are the best ways to reduce delays and travel smoothly this week.
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