Dubai is leading the way in new transportation systems. It’s introducing flying taxis, high-speed rail, and electric boats. These changes aim to solve traffic problems and meet the needs of growing tourism.
These projects are not just about making travel easier. They’re part of Dubai’s goal to be a global leader in smart cities and luxury travel. Dubai is setting a new standard for moving people and ensuring it remains a top destination.
Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail is a major project in the UAE. It’s a railway network from the Saudi border to Fujairah. It will serve both freight and passengers, linking communities and resources.
Etihad Rail brings together all stakeholders for a shared vision. It aims to boost the economy and social development. The railway will connect key areas, forming part of the GCC network.
Once done, the network will cover about 1,200 kilometers. It will link all seven emirates and Saudi Arabia. It will start with diesel power but could switch to electric in the future.
Freight trains will go up to 120 km/h, while passenger trains will reach 200 km/h. The network will have a European signaling system and can carry heavy loads. It will also fit double-stack containers.
Driverless taxis
Self-driving taxis are coming to Dubai. The preparations and digital mapping are finished, says RTA Dubai. Dubai will also have rules for using these taxis.
Dubai chose electric driverless taxis for their green benefits. These taxis will have zero emissions. They use advanced tech to drive safely.
The taxis have five laser sensors and 21 radars, plus 16 cameras. These help them detect objects and drive safely. Passengers can see their ride status on tablets in the car.
Passengers can talk to support by pressing a button. They can also end their ride anytime. There’s a button for emergency stops too.
Mattar Al Tayer has big plans for Dubai’s transport. He wants 25 percent of travel to be autonomous by 2030. Dubai is already at 9.4 percent, moving towards being the smartest city.
Flying taxis
Dubai is set to change public transport with air taxis by 2026. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is working with JOBY Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure. These eVTOL aircraft will carry up to four passengers and a pilot, offering fast and secure travel.
Dubai will be the first city with a commercial electric air taxi service. This move aims to solve traffic problems and improve urban mobility. Trials for the air taxis are underway, promising to cut travel times by nearly half.
Launch Date
The UAE plans to introduce fully electric air taxis by early 2026. Certification procedures will start in 2024.
Location
The first four Skyport locations for Dubai’s air taxi service have been unveiled. These vertiports are near major tourist spots and high population areas. They include Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina.
Booking and Fare
Passengers can book air taxi rides through a Joby Aviation app. This will let them travel faster, up to 40% quicker. The cost will be similar to Uber Black or Uber Comfort, with prices possibly dropping as the service grows.
Dubai’s air taxis could make travel times under 20 minutes. They offer a luxurious, efficient way to travel, making Dubai a leader in urban air mobility.
Road Projects
Dubai is known for its safe roads and traffic safety. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is planning more road projects. This was discussed with Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Al Shindagha Corridor – AED 800 Million Road Project
The RTA said phase four of the Al Shindagha Corridor project is 52 percent complete. This phase goes from Khalifa bin Zayed Street to the Falcon Intersection on Al Mina Street. In May, it was 45 percent complete, showing progress.
This project aims to cut travel times on key routes. It will reduce the average journey from 104 minutes to 16 minutes. The project spans 4.8 kilometers and is expected to finish by 2030.
Hessa Street improvement project
The AED 689 million project will improve 4.5 kilometers of Hessa Street. It will upgrade four intersections and increase the street’s capacity to handle 8,000 vehicles per hour. Hessa Street will be expanded from two lanes to four lanes in each direction.
The project also includes a 13.5-kilometer cycling and e-scooter track. This track will be 4.5 meters wide, with 2.5 meters for bicycles and e-scooters and 2 meters for pedestrians. It will connect Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills, improving connectivity.
The cycling track will have two unique bridges. One will cross Sheikh Zayed Road, and the other will span Al Khail Road. The Al Khail Road bridge is 5 meters wide. It has 3 meters for bikes and e-scooters and 2 meters for pedestrians.
Its design is inspired by the environment, adding a unique geometric touch.
Al Khaleej Street
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract worth AED700 million for Al Khail Road Improvement Project.
This project includes building bridges over 3,300 metres. It also involves road improvements of 6,820 metres across seven locations. These locations are Zabeel, Meydan, Al Quoz 1, Ghadeer Al Tair, and Jumeirah Village Circle.
The project aims to increase the capacity of intersections and bridges by 19,600 vehicles per hour. It aims to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times by 30 percent, and eliminate traffic overlaps at flyovers.
The project starts with Zabeel, between Oud Metha Street and Financial Centre Street intersections. A three-lane bridge spanning 700 metres will be built. It will link traffic from Zabeel Palace Street and Oud Metha Road directly onto Al Khail Road in the direction of Abu Dhabi.
Improvements of surface roads extending 850 metres will also be made. These improvements will link traffic inbound from Al Khail Road heading to Financial Centre Street in the direction of Sheikh Zayed Road.