H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, has evaluated Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) forward-thinking projects aimed at modernizing urban transport and infrastructure. These initiatives align with Dubai’s strategic development vision, emphasizing cutting-edge technology and sustainability.
Main Roads Development Plan: AED16 Billion Investment
A highlight of these efforts is the Main Roads Development Plan for 2024-2027, a substantial AED16 billion ($4.35 billion) investment to launch 22 infrastructure projects across Dubai. This extensive plan will cater to the needs of the emirate’s 6+ million residents and align with its growth objectives.
AI and Autonomous Transport Innovations
Sheikh Hamdan’s review also spotlighted projects incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous transport technologies for better traffic management and urban mobility. He was joined by senior officials, including Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, and Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director-General.
Infrastructure Growth and Public Transport Surge
Dubai’s public transport system now serves 2.2 million passengers daily, supported by a road network that has expanded from 8,715 lane-km in 2006 to 18,990 lane-km in 2023—a 117% increase. The city’s number of vehicle bridges and tunnels surged from 129 to 1,070, a 729% rise, while pedestrian bridges and tunnels have grown nearly 400%. Cycling tracks expanded dramatically from 9 km to 557 km, a 6,088% increase.
Expanding Cycling Networks and Eco-Friendly Travel
RTA plans to extend the cycling network, connecting areas like Jumeirah and Marina with tracks in Al Qudra and Nad Al Sheba, further promoting sustainable travel. These expansions will seamlessly link urban centers with outer districts.
Traffic and Population Growth Insights
Sheikh Hamdan received updates on traffic metrics, noting that registered vehicles have increased by 10% over the past two years, compared to a global growth rate of 2-4%. Dubai’s population is projected to grow by 3.6% annually until 2030. Despite these increases, Dubai maintains strong journey time efficiency, with a 10 km trip in the central district averaging just 12 minutes and 50 seconds.
Key Projects in the Pipeline
Sheikh Hamdan examined the Latifa bint Hamdan Street project, set to begin in 2024, which will serve over 1 million residents and add capacity for 16,000 vehicles per hour. The Meydan Road project is another major initiative, designed to accommodate 22,000 vehicles per hour and cut travel times to four minutes.
Upgrades to Major Roads and Intersections
The Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Roundabout developments will boost road capacity by 30% and reduce travel time significantly. Contracts for these upgrades, including new bridges and tunnels, have been awarded to enhance traffic flow and safety.
Major Developments in Street Capacity and Time Reduction
The Umm Suqeim and Al Qudra Street enhancements will expand capacity from 8,400 to 12,600 vehicles per hour, cutting travel time from 46 to 11 minutes. Meanwhile, the Al Fay Street project will boost capacity to handle 64,400 vehicles hourly, benefiting about 600,000 residents.
Autonomous Trams and Dedicated Transport Lanes
Innovations such as trackless trams and dedicated bus lanes are set to redefine public transport. The environmentally friendly trackless trams, capable of carrying 300 passengers and running at speeds up to 70 km/h, are poised for rollout across eight city routes by 2025-2026. These changes will enhance ridership and reduce travel time by 41%.
Self-Driving Buses and AI Traffic Solutions
Sheikh Hamdan also assessed self-driving buses equipped with cutting-edge safety tech. With speeds of 40 km/h and a capacity of up to 20 passengers, these buses aim to provide efficient last-mile connectivity.
‘Green Road’ System and Smart Cycling Track Initiatives
The Green Road system, already improving safety by 54% among public transport buses, was part of Sheikh Hamdan’s review. The Smart Cycling Tracks Scanning Initiative is set to maintain track quality using advanced scanning vehicles, further promoting sustainability and safety.
Commitment to Emirati Talent and Advanced Training
Dubai’s RTA is also investing in its people, offering academic scholarships in AI, cybersecurity, and computing to foster local expertise. More than 1,400 trainees have benefitted from specialized courses, preparing them to contribute to Dubai’s tech-driven future.
This comprehensive vision, blending extensive infrastructure upgrades with advanced technology, reflects Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global model of smart, sustainable urban living.
