Zahma means crowded or congested — most often traffic, but also airports, markets, malls during a sale, or any gathering where people outnumber space. 'Zahma wayed' — so much traffic — is a full and complete explanation for being late to anything in Dubai, and nobody will argue with it. It's on Sheikh Zayed Road, it's on Al Khail Road, it's at IKEA on a Friday afternoon. Zahma is a fact of life here rather than a complaint.