Hamdan bin Mohammed reviews RTA projects shaping Dubai’s future mobility

Dubai: His Highness 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, reviewed a range of specialised initiatives and projects implemented by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The projects include the rapid intervention vehicle, the smart bus station, and soft mobility parking facilities. His Highness was briefed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, on the objectives of the initiatives and their role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Dubai’s mobility system. Sheikh Hamdan said that Dubai’s ambitious development initiatives and pioneering projects aimed at enhancing public wellbeing, particularly modern mass transit systems, reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He noted that these efforts reinforce Dubai’s position among the world’s leading cities in adopting innovative solutions and future technologies. “The variety of futuristic mass transit projects we witness today is not the outcome of infrastructure development priorities alone, but a comprehensive redefinition of urban mobility in line with the highest international standards,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “They reflect Dubai’s ambition to be the city that is quickest to anticipate the future and most capable of turning it into tangible reality.” He added that Dubai operates with a clear vision based on innovation as a core principle and advanced technologies as essential tools for transforming lives, raising systemic efficiency, and ensuring the highest quality of life for citizens, residents, and visitors. Sheikh Hamdan also affirmed Dubai’s commitment to remaining a leading global model for designing future cities and a pioneering platform for testing and implementing advanced mobility solutions. He said RTA’s initiatives reflect a firm commitment to enhancing future readiness and solidifying Dubai’s position as a global capital of innovation and sustainable development. Maximising developmental impact The visit, during which Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, reflects the leadership’s focus on monitoring government performance through field visits, assessing project readiness, and ensuring progress in line with timelines and objectives. During the review, Sheikh Hamdan examined the rapid intervention vehicle developed to enhance emergency readiness during heavy rainfall while ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow. The vehicle is equipped with advanced pumping systems capable of handling large water volumes, rescue equipment, a thermal drone for field assessment, backup power generation, and lighting systems to support round‑the‑clock operations. The vehicle reduces response times by more than 75 percent, enhances safety, and minimises disruption. Smart bus station Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed the smart bus station project, part of RTA’s digital transformation and sustainability drive. The project is 90 percent complete and located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Barsha 2 near Mall of the Emirates. The station offers fully contactless, paperless services integrated with the nol card and S’hail app, and features solar panels, AI‑powered cameras, smart air‑quality sensors, and LEED Platinum certification. Soft mobility parking facilities As part of efforts to support sustainable transport, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the soft mobility parking facilities project designed to facilitate the use of bicycles and electric scooters. The facilities feature shaded designs, charging capabilities, smart monitoring systems, and advertising opportunities, and are strategically located near public transport hubs to support first‑ and last‑mile connectivity. The project comes amid a 23 percent increase in bicycle usage, with total trips reaching 57.6 million in 2025. A phased expansion plan will begin with pilot operations at five locations in July 2026, leading to permanent deployment by 2028. Mattar Al Tayer said the initiatives reflect RTA’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies, developing sustainable transport solutions, and reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in smart mobility and innovation.