A short Instagram video posted by a Dubai-based professional has set off a wider conversation online about how urban road design can sometimes feel counterintuitive, even in one of the world’s most modern cities. The clip highlights a situation many residents say they have experienced: a destination that appears close enough to walk to, yet requires a surprisingly long drive to reach.
When “just across the road” isn’t really close
In the video, Aman Thakkar films himself from inside his car as he begins his commute. He points out that his office building is clearly visible from where he is parked, standing just across a major road. Despite this visual proximity, reaching the building by car involves navigating a network of service roads and flyovers.
To underline the contrast, Thakkar shows his navigation system, which displays a route of more than four kilometres with an estimated travel time of over ten minutes. The disconnect between what the eye sees and what the road allows becomes the central theme of the clip, which quickly caught the attention of viewers.
A caption that struck a nerve
Thakkar’s caption added fuel to the discussion. He questioned how a city that has developed at such a rapid pace could still feel inefficient at a micro level, especially for short-distance travel. At the same time, he acknowledged that his off-peak work schedule spares him from the worst of the daily congestion on Sheikh Zayed Road, a reality familiar to most Dubai commuters.
The combination of visual proof and a relatable frustration helped the video gain traction, prompting thousands of comments.
Internet reacts with stories and counterpoints
Many viewers shared similar experiences, recalling moments when navigation apps led them on long loops to reach places that seemed nearby. Some said they initially assumed drivers had taken wrong turns, only to realise later that the route suggested by maps was, in fact, the only legal option.
Others pushed back against the criticism. Several commenters argued that Dubai’s road system prioritises speed, safety and traffic flow over direct access. They pointed out that limited crossings and controlled junctions help prevent accidents on high-speed roads, even if it means sacrificing convenience for short trips.
Comparisons with other regions also surfaced. Some users noted that in parts of South Asia, pedestrians routinely cross busy roads directly, something that would be unsafe and illegal in Dubai’s traffic environment.
Design choice, not design flaw
Urban planners often explain that Dubai’s road layout is built around vehicle efficiency at scale, not walkable shortcuts. Wide highways, service roads and restricted turns are intended to keep traffic moving and reduce conflict points. While this can feel inefficient on a personal level, it reflects a deliberate trade-off between convenience and safety.
As the debate continues, Thakkar’s video has become a familiar mirror for city life: in Dubai, distance isn’t always measured in metres, but in permitted turns, access points and carefully planned detours.
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