{
  "id": 5082712,
  "title": "Why people are intentionally taking the long way home",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/why-people-are-intentionally-taking-the-long-way-home",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T11:55:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/why-people-are-intentionally-taking-the-long-way-home-1.500660241"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the UAE, it's becoming increasingly common for people to take the long way home, even when they know the quickest route. This practice is driven by a desire to create a buffer between the stresses of the day and the demands of home life. With wide roads and relatively long distances between places, driving in the UAE has become a personal space where individuals can unwind and process their thoughts. The city of Abu Dhabi, in particular, takes on a different feel at night with its illuminated buildings and quieter roads, making a simple drive feel like a moment of solitude. Many drivers also enjoy a stop at a drive-through coffee shop, adding a small ritual to their journey. For some, this extended drive is a form of decompression, a way to transition from work mode to a more relaxed state before entering the home environment. The act of driving itself can be therapeutic, allowing individuals to process their day or simply enjoy the moment without the pressure of immediate engagement. This trend of taking the long way home reflects a broader shift towards lower-effort spontaneity and a growing appreciation for quiet socializing in the UAE.",
  "summary": "There is something oddly comforting about not going straight home. You finish work, university or whatever else has filled your day, get into your car and type your destination into Google Maps. The fastest route appears. Twenty minutes. Perfect. And then you ignore it. Instead, you take the longer road. Maybe you drive along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche with the windows slightly down and your favourite…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}