Residents of the United Arab Emirates can now access traffic information from their GPS device or phone using Chicago-based NAVTEQ’s Traffic program.

Available in 23 countries, the launch is Navteq Traffic’s first in the Middle East. The program enables drivers to see how fast traffic is moving on various roads to avoid delays. The U.A.E. program will cover 3,700 kilometers of roadways, according to Navteq , in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Together, the three cities represent more than 50 percent of the region’s population.

Navteq said its own research found that traffic-information is the most sought after navigation feature on GPS devices, with 96 percent of wireless navigation users saying they want to see traffic delays in real time.

jwernau@tribune.com