Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has presented a series of transformative projects aimed at enhancing urban mobility in the emirate.
The Dh16 billion 2024-2027 Main Roads Development Plan involves 22 projects set to benefit over 6 million residents and support the city’s growth. Key initiatives include advancements in autonomous transport and the integration of AI in traffic management.
The strategy was reviewed by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
Urban network expansion
Moreover, Dubai’s vehicle numbers are up to 3.5 million, with a 10% increase in registered vehicles over the past two years and a projected population growth of 3.6% annually until 2030.
Despite significant traffic volume growth, Dubai ranks high on the global journey time index. According to the 2023 TomTom Global Traffic Index, Dubai achieved a journey time of 12 minutes and 50 seconds for a 10 km trip within the central business district, compared to 16 minutes and 50 seconds in Singapore, 19 minutes in Montreal, 21 minutes in Sydney, 22 minutes in Berlin, and 36 minutes in London.
The emirate’s road network has expanded significantly, with lane kilometres increasing by 117%, from 8,715 lane kilometres to 18,990 lane kilometres, since 2006. The number of lanes across Dubai Creek rose from 16 to 61, a 281% increase, while vehicle bridges and tunnels grew from 129 to 1,070, marking a 729% rise.
The RTA reportedly has made plans to continue increasing the network, including connecting coastal cycling tracks to external routes. The Latifa bint Hamdan Street project will soon begin, enhancing capacity and reducing travel time for over a million residents. Other notable developments include Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Roundabout, aiming to ease traffic and improve commute times.
Innovative and public transport solutions
Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the growth in public transport users in Dubai, which has reached 2.2 million riders daily.
Since 2006, pedestrian bridges and tunnels also increased from 26 to 129, encompassing Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram bridges and tunnels, a 396% growth. Cycling tracks extended from 9 km to 557 km, a remarkable 6,088% increase.
RTA plans to further expand cycling tracks to connect coastal areas like Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, and Marina with external tracks in Al Qudra, Saih Al Salam, and Nad Al Sheba via Al Barsha and Dubai Hills.
Plans are underway to expand Dubai’s tram network with trackless trams and dedicated bus lanes to enhance public transport efficiency. The RTA also aims to explore smart cycling track initiatives and safe driving systems integrating AI technologies, to improve transport safety and sustainability.
Moreover, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed RTA’s plans to expand the Dubai Tram network with a study on deploying trackless tram systems at eight locations across Dubai. This advanced, self-driving tram system operates on virtual tracks, using camera-guided painted lines on dedicated lanes.
Educational initiatives
RTA’s commitment to technology education includes scholarships and training for Emirati talent in fields like AI and cybersecurity, aligning with Dubai’s vision for a tech-forward future. To date, 44 employees and students have been sponsored to pursue academic studies for PhD, master’s, bachelor’s, and professional diploma qualifications in AI, big data, data management & analysis, and computing sciences.
