Dubai travel updates for bus, metro and more.
In 2024, Dubai has been actively addressing its notorious traffic congestion issues with a series of initiatives aimed at easing the flow of vehicles and improving mobility across the city. Significant improvements have been made to the bus network, including the introduction of new routes and increased frequency, providing residents and visitors with more convenient public transportation options. Infrastructure upgrades and road expansions have also been undertaken to enhance traffic flow on key thoroughfares, while taxi services have seen enhancements such as more efficient dispatch systems and fleet expansions.
Looking ahead, Dubai has announced ambitious projects aimed at tackling long-term traffic challenges, including the development of new road networks and the implementation of smart traffic management systems. These efforts reflect the city’s commitment to ensuring smoother and more efficient transportation for all.
Dubai Buses
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has been actively enhancing the bus service to improve public transportation options in the city. This includes implementing changes to routes, establishing new stations, and ongoing efforts to create dedicated bus lanes. Currently, the bus network covers an impressive 82 percent of urban areas in Dubai and serves over 360,000 passengers daily. These improvements aim to provide residents and visitors with more efficient and accessible bus services, contributing to the overall mobility and convenience of Dubai’s transportation system.
Stadium Bus Station was opened at the beginning of May in Al Qusais next to the existing Metro station.
Trips have been made quicker on the following lines: 62, X02, X23, X22, X13, X25, X92, X64, X94.
And improvements have been made to the schedules of 30 routes: 19, 23, 27, 43, 62, C04, C10, C15, C18, D03, E102, E307, E400, F08, F17, F22, F23, F23A, F24, F51, W20, X02, X13, X22, X23, X25, X28, X64, X92, X94.
The old 91A route was cancelled.
Dubai Metro
Following the UAE’s worst-ever storm, four Dubai Metro stations on the busy red line have been rendered out of service. This disruption impacts the daily commute for many residents and visitors who rely on the metro system for transportation across the city. Efforts are underway to address the damage and restore service to these stations as quickly as possible, ensuring the smooth functioning of Dubai’s public transportation network.
Following severe damage caused by April’s record-breaking storm, Equiti, Energy, Al Mashreq, and ONPASSIVE Metro stations were forced to close. The Roads and Transport Authority has announced that three of these stations, ONPASSIVE, Equiti, and Mashreq, have reopened as of Sunday, May 19th, with Energy expected to resume service in the following days. All four stations are scheduled to be fully operational by Tuesday, May 28th, following necessary maintenance and safety checks. In the interim, shuttle buses have been arranged to provide transportation between Metro stations, ensuring continued accessibility for commuters.
To manage overcrowding during peak hours, measures have been implemented, so commuters are advised to plan ahead when using the metro, as journeys may take longer than usual. Additionally, in early 2024, construction commenced on the new blue Dubai Metro line, which will expand the city’s public transportation network. Furthermore, in January, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced plans for the potential addition of two more railway systems in the city, further enhancing Dubai’s transportation infrastructure and connectivity.
Dubai Traffic
Congestion on Dubai’s roads remains a significant issue as the city’s infrastructure struggles to keep pace with its growing population. In 2024, work began on the Al Khail Road Improvement Project, targeting improvements in Al Quoz 1, Ghadeer Al Tair, Jumeirah Village Circle, Meydan, and Zabeel. The project has already seen the completion of road widening at Al Jaddaf and Business Bay. Additionally, new infrastructure includes a free exit at Dubai Marina and a new u-turn on Umm Suqeim Street.
Phase four of the extensive Al Shindagha Corridor Project is now 45 percent complete as of May 2024. This project aims to significantly reduce journey times on some of the city’s major roads, cutting travel from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes. In March, it was revealed that 75 percent of the Garn Al Sabkha-Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Roads Improvement Project was finished, including the construction of four bridges spanning 2,874 metres to accommodate a traffic capacity of 17,600 vehicles per hour.
Moreover, a AED 332 million project announced in January aims to reduce travel time on Umm Suqeim Street, further contributing to the city’s efforts to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Dubai Taxis
Earlier this year, Dubai announced that the fleet of taxis departing from Dubai International Airport will be doubled to 700 vehicles, enhancing transportation options for travellers. The Dubai Taxi Company continues to increase the number of taxis on the city’s roads each month. Excitingly, it was also revealed that by the end of 2025, the city will introduce a fleet of flying taxis. Additionally, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has equipped 4,500 taxis with touch screens, providing entertainment for passengers during traffic delays. These initiatives are part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to improve transportation and enhance the commuter experience.
