Dubai RTA Unveils 250 New Buses, Marking Largest Electric Bus Deployment in the UAE

Dubai RTA Unveils 250 New Buses, Marking Largest Electric Bus Deployment in the UAE

News 2 weeks ago

Dubai , January 19 ., 2026 :Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has taken a major step toward sustainable mobility with the arrival of 250 new buses, the first batch under a 735-bus procurement contract scheduled for completion in 2026. The fleet includes 40 electric buses, representing the largest and first-of-its-kind electric bus deployment in the UAE, and all vehicles comply with the Euro 6 European low-emissions standard.

The electric buses, manufactured by Zhongtong and tailored specifically for Dubai’s operating conditions, can travel up to 280 kilometres on a single charge and feature a 434 kWh battery supported by high-capacity fast chargers. Following more than three months of testing in real operating conditions, the buses demonstrated high energy efficiency, strong braking and cooling performance, and vehicle stability, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate among drivers and passengers.

According to RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer, the new fleet supports Dubai’s vision for a sustainable, flexible and high-quality public transport system, in line with the directives of the UAE leadership, Dubai Urban Plan 2040, and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The initiative also aligns with national climate objectives, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and supports RTA’s Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy, which aims to convert all public transport buses to electric and hydrogen power by 2050.

Beyond electric buses, the contract includes 549 city-service buses, 76 double-decker buses, and 70 articulated buses, expanding service coverage across high-density areas and newly developed districts. The fleet is equipped with advanced technologies such as driver behaviour monitoring systems, automated passenger counting, and driver identity authentication, enhancing safety, operational efficiency and fare compliance.

Designed with passenger comfort and accessibility in mind, the new buses feature low-floor entrances, dedicated spaces for People of Determination, seating for children, bicycle areas, Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile charging points, and modern interiors. A newly adopted national fuel-consumption testing standard, the first in the Gulf region, further improves environmental and financial sustainability, reinforcing RTA’s efforts to make public transport the preferred choice for daily mobility in Dubai.

Dubai RTA Completes Traffic Expansion Works on AlWarqa’a 1 Street in Both Directions from SheikhMohammed Bin Zayed Road to Ras Al Khor Road

News 4 weeks ago

Dubai, January 7, 2026: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed traffic
expansion works on Al Warqa’a 1 Street, covering a total length of 7 km in both directions, from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road to Ras Al Khor Road. The scope of works included the conversion of four roundabouts into smart signalised intersections, contributing to an improvement in traffic flow of up to 30%. These efforts reflect
RTA’s standing commitment to enhancing the efficiency of the local road network, supporting smoother daily mobility, and improving residents’ quality of life.
The traffic expansion works also included an integrated package of solutions, comprising the construction of advanced stormwater drainage networks with a total length of 6,600 linear metres, the
installation of 324 lighting poles equipped with modern street-lighting systems, and the provision of 111 new parking spaces. In addition, pedestrian pathways were developed across a total area of 41,000
square metres, contributing to improved traffic flow and enhanced safety for all road users.
Hamad Al Shehhi, Director of Roads at Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA, said, “This project builds on works completed by RTA in June 2025, which included the construction of direct entry and exit points to Al Warqa’a from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road to facilitate smoother access to and from the area. It also encompassed traffic improvement works on 13th Street in Al Warqa’a 1, extending approximately 8 km in both directions, to serve Al Warqa’a residents and school users, as part of the project to develop the internal road network in the area.

Al Shehhi added: “RTA is firmly committed to developing integrated infrastructure encompassing road networks, street lighting, and stormwater drainage systems, in line with Dubai’s population and
urban growth targets. These efforts respond to residents’ aspirations for an advanced urban environment and support Dubai’s vision as a smart and prosperous city that places quality of life and residents’ happiness at the forefront of its priorities.” “The development projects currently being implemented by RTA in Al Warqa’a area include upgrading the internal road networks in Al Warqa’a 3 and Al Warqa’a 4. The scope of works involves road
paving, the construction of pedestrian pathways and pavements, and provision of parking spaces, in addition to development of cycling tracks. These projects aim to enhance connectivity with
cycling routes in neighbouring areas and support alternative and
sustainable mobility options.”

RTA held an interactive session last October with residents an visitors of Mirdif and Al Warqa’a to brief the public on the latest developments of Dubai Metro Blue Line project within their residential areas. The session also reviewed RTA initiatives to develop and enhance the road network, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve residents’ satisfaction and facilitate daily mobility. The session discussed several key topics, most notably the traffic diversions scheduled to be implemented in Al Warqa’a and Mirdif during the various phases of the project. This approach reflects RTA’s commitment to direct engagement with citizens, residents, and visitors across Dubai by keeping them informed of project updates, listening to their feedback and needs, and transforming them into practical solutions that contribute to improving the quality
of life.

Dubai RTA Completes 60% of Oud Maitha Road and AlAsayel Street Development Project

News 4 weeks ago

Dubai , January 4, 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 60% of the Oud Maitha Road and Al Asayel Street Development Project, part of the wider Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project, the authority announced on January 4, 2026.

The project aims to enhance connectivity between Al Asayel Street and Al Khail Road via Al Wasl Club Street, and includes the upgrade of four major intersections, the construction of bridges spanning 4.3 kilometres, and new roads extending 14 kilometres. Once completed, it is expected to serve more than 420,000 residents by 2030.

RTA said 70% of bridge works linking Al Asayel Street to Al Khail Road towards Business Bay Crossing have been completed, with the section set to open in the first quarter of this year. About 60% of tunnel works connecting Dubai–Al Ain Road to Al Wasl Club Street have also been completed, while remaining road widening and bridge works are scheduled for opening in the third quarter.

According to RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer, the project will increase the capacity of Oud Maitha Road by 50%, from 10,400 to 15,600 vehicles per hour in both directions, and cut travel time from 20 minutes to just five minutes. The development supports key residential and service areas including Zabeel, Al Jaddaf, Oud Maitha, Umm Hurair and Al Wasl Club.

The project includes multiple new bridges, upgraded ramps, service roads and a vehicle tunnel designed to ease congestion, improve safety and accommodate Dubai’s growing population.

كفاءة عالية في نقل الركاب وإدارة الحركة المرورية (3)

Over 2.8 Million Passengers Used Dubai Public Transporton New Year’s Eve 2026

News 1 month ago

Dubai , January 1, 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) transported more than
2.8 million passengers during New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations, achieving ridership growth of over 13% compared to last year’s over 2.5 riders.
This was delivered as part of an integrated traffic and operational plan that included the management and regulation of traffic movement and implementation of temporary road closures across the Emirate, in
direct coordination with Dubai Event Security Committee, as well as relevant authorities and strategic partners. The results reflect the readiness and efficiency of the transport system and its ability to
ensure smooth mobility and public safety, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global destination capable of managing major events in line with the highest international standards.
The total number of users of public transport, taxis, e-hailing services,
and shared mobility during New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations exceeded 2,836,859 passengers, marking a 13% increase compared to New Year’s Eve 2025, when ridership stood at 2,502,474 passengers.
Metro services on the Red and Green Lines were used by 1,249,636 passengers, while Dubai Tram carried 58,052 passengers. Public buses and bus-on-demand buses recorded 503,264 passengers during the night. Taxis transported 661,538 passengers, and marine transport services ferried 76,745 passengers across all modes. E- hailing services transported 286,135 passengers and shared mobility services carried 1,489 passengers. RTA reaffirmed that the approved traffic and operational plan contributed to ensuring the smooth and safe movement of the public
to the celebration sites, within the framework of integrated coordination with the concerned authorities and strategic partners in Dubai.

مزاد الأرقام المتميزة الـ 120 يحقق أكثر من 109 ملايين درهم (2)

RTA’s 120th Distinctive Number Plates AuctionTops AED 109 Million

News 1 month ago

Dubai , December 29 , 2025 :

The total proceeds of the 120th open auction of distinctive vehicle number plates, launched by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on the evening of Saturday, 27th December, reached AED 109,026,000, representing the highest revenue recorded in the history of distinctive number plate auctions since their launch. Plate number BB12 recorded the highest value at the auction at AED 9.66 million, followed by plate number AA25 at AED 8.04
million, plate number BB30 at AED 6.74 million, and plate number CC100 at AED 4.21 million. These results underscore the success of the strategy adopted by RTA in managing both open and electronic auctions. The strategy is founded on neutrality and transparency, while ensuring equal opportunities for all those wishing to acquire distinctive number
plates, which carry symbolic value for their owners. RTA offered 90 distinctive vehicle number plates, comprising two,
three, four, and five-digit numbers, from the codes AA, BB, CC, K, N, O, R, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z at its 120th open auction. The
auction took place at Al Joud Ballroom at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City at 4:30 pm. Registration opened on Monday, 22nd December, with participants able to register through RTA’s website at www.rta.ae, Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, and Al Barsha or at the auction venue itself. Priority was given to
those who registered in advance. The sale of number plates was subject to a 5% value-added tax.
Participation in the auction required customers to have a traffic file in the Emirate of Dubai, submit a security cheque payable to RTA in the amount of AED 25,000, and pay a non-refundable participation fee of AED 120 at Customer Happiness Centres. RTA also enabled payment by credit card through its website.

Dubai RTA Deploys Drone Technology to Inspect Dubai Metro Tunnels

News 1 month ago

Dubai , December 22 ,2025 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun using drone technology to inspect Dubai Metro tunnels, in collaboration with metro operator Keolis MHI, marking a major shift in inspection practices and digital innovation.

The RTA said the new technology has reduced inspection time by 60 per cent, improved safety by limiting human exposure to difficult-to-access areas, and enhanced inspection accuracy through high-resolution imagery and wider visual coverage. The drones also enable automated data collection and digital reporting, supporting better maintenance planning and future use of artificial intelligence for image analysis.

The initiative aligns with RTA’s 2024–2030 strategy and the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy, focusing on sustainability, smart infrastructure, and operational excellence. Officials said the move sets new benchmarks for predictive maintenance and asset lifecycle management.

Keolis MHI said the deployment reflects a shared commitment to innovation and safety, contributing to a smarter and more efficient rail transport system.

الجسران المنجزان يوفران انسيابية الحركة المرورية باتجاه شارعي الشيخ راشد والمجلس 3

Dubai RTA Opens Two Bridges as Part of Trade Centre Roundabout Development

News 1 month ago

Dubai , December 21 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened two new bridges under the Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, improving traffic flow between 2nd December Street, Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street.

Opened ahead of the planned mid-January date, the bridges each have two lanes in both directions, a combined length of 2,000 metres, and a capacity of about 6,000 vehicles per hour. The new links reduce travel time from 2nd December Street to Al Majlis Street, Al Mustaqbal Street and Zabeel Palace Street from 10 minutes to just two minutes, while easing congestion at the busy roundabout.

RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer said the AED 696 million project involves five bridges totaling 5,000 metres and the conversion of the existing roundabout into an at-grade intersection. Overall completion has reached nearly 50%, with phased openings planned.

Another bridge connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street is set to open in March, while two more bridges serving Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street are scheduled for October 2026. Once completed, the project is expected to cut average delays at the intersection from 12 minutes to 90 seconds.

The development will benefit key areas including Dubai World Trade Centre, DIFC, and surrounding communities, serving more than half a million residents and visitors. The project is part of a wider master plan that includes upgrades to Al Mustaqbal Street, scheduled for completion in 2027

IndiGo Operations Fully Normalized Since December 9, Airline Now Operating Over 2,200 Flights Dail

News 2 months ago

December 18, 2025 – IndiGo has successfully stabilized its operations across its network since 9 December 2025, initially resuming with over 1,800 flights. The airline has been gradually adding capacity and, as of today, operates more than 2,200 flights, fully aligned with its revised schedule.

IndiGo now serves all 138 operational destinations while maintaining its standard on-time performance. The airline emphasized that it continues to uphold the full integrity of its revised schedule, ensuring consistently reliable service for over 3.5 lakh customers daily.

“Having completely stabilized operations since 9 December, we have been carefully increasing our flight capacity while maintaining normal on-time performance, as per IndiGo standards,” said an IndiGo spokesperson. “We remain committed to delivering consistently reliable service to our customers across all destinations.”

90 Distinctive 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-Digit Plate Numbers Up for Grabs at RTA’s 120th Open Auction on December 27

News 2 months ago

18 th December 2025:
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is offering 90 distinctive 2,
3, 4 and 5-digit vehicle plate numbers from the codes (AA, BB, CC, K, N,
O, R, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z). Among the highlights are the super numbers
AA 25, BB 12 and BB 30 in this 120 th Open Auction.
The auction will be held on Saturday, 27 th December, with registration
opening on Monday, 22 nd December. The event will take place in the Al
Joud Ballroom at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, starting at 4:30 pm.
Interested bidders may register through RTA’s website (www.rta.ae), the
RTA Dubai App, or at Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool,
Deira and Al Barsha. Seating will be limited, with priority given to auction
participants; therefore, early registration is advised. Registration will also
be available at the auction hall from 2:00 pm onwards.
The sale of plate numbers is subject to a 5% value-added tax (VAT). To
participate, bidders must hold a traffic file in the Emirate of Dubai and
provide a security deposit cheque made payable to RTA in the amount of
AED 25,000, along with a non-refundable registration fee of AED 120.
Payments may be made at the Customer Happiness Centres or by credit
card through RTA’s website or the RTA App.

Ras Al Khaimah Celebrates Five Years of Adventure with the Return of the Highlander Hiking Challenge

News 2 months ago

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – 18 December 2025: The Middle East’s leading long-distance hiking event, HIGHLANDER, will return to Ras Al Khaimah for its fifth anniversary from 6–8 February 2026, bringing adventurers from around the world to Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. Organized by HIGHLANDER Adventure and supported by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, the event showcases the emirate’s 94km hiking network across the Hajar Mountains, combining endurance, nature, culture and sustainability.

Participants will explore dramatic mountain landscapes, historic settlements and local traditions, with immersive camp experiences featuring Emirati cuisine, wildlife sessions and community engagement. The 2026 edition offers three formats: the 37km three-day HIGHLANDER Pegasus, the 25km two-day HIGHLANDER Orion, and the 13km one-day HIGHLANDER Lyra, catering to both seasoned hikers and first-time participants.

Aligned with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for sustainable tourism, the event promotes responsible travel through “Leave No Trace” principles. Registrations for HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah 2026 are now open, with participants receiving official finisher recognition and access to a celebratory finish experience upon completion.