From flying taxis to underground systems, Dubai has ambitious plans for urban mobility

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: In recent years, Dubai has emerged as a dynamic city with an ever-expanding skyline and a rapidly growing population.

To address the challenges posed by congestion and to revolutionise mobility, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a series of bold transport initiatives – designed to improve traffic flow and enhance the commuting experience across the emirate, incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.

Major investments in infrastructure are underway, with several pivotal road expansion projects set to transform the city’s transport landscape. One of the most significant projects is the Dhs1.5 billion upgrade of Al Fay Street, which will introduce five major intersections, elevating its capacity to accommodate 64,400 vehicles per hour.

This upgrade is expected to greatly benefit around 600,000 residents living in nearby areas such as JVC and Dubai Sports City.

Similarly, the Dhs3.7 billion enhancement of Al Mustaqbal Street will incorporate new bridges and tunnels, increasing capacity from 9,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour.

Another noteworthy development on Al Qudra Street involves a Dhs798 million investment aimed at slashing travel times at critical intersections from 9.4 minutes to just 2.8 minutes.

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Additionally, planned upgrades to Al Safa Street, which stretches from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Wasl Road, promise to cut commute times for 358,000 residents from a lengthy 20 minutes to a mere two minutes.

One of the landmark projects in this ambitious initiative is the expansion of the Al Shindagha Corridor. This extensive 13-kilometer upgrade is projected to serve nearly one million residents in Deira and Bur Dubai, significantly reducing travel times from a staggering 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030.

Collectively, these initiatives will not only enhance mobility across the city but also ease congestion and improve daily commutes.

In tandem with road expansions, Dubai is committed to incorporating dedicated lanes and autonomous vehicles into its transport infrastructure. By 2027, the city plans to expand its dedicated bus and taxi lane network to 20.1 km, adding 13.1 km of new lanes across six vital streets, including Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah and Omar bin Al Khattab.

Furthermore, with a forward-looking federal traffic law allowing driverless cars on the roads, Dubai is set to witness an exciting shift toward an autonomous future. By 2030, it is anticipated that 25 percent of all transport in the city will be self-driving, featuring a fleet of 4,000 autonomous taxis designed to alleviate congestion, mitigate emissions, and enhance road safety.

One of the most ground-breaking concepts currently in development is the “Dubai Loop,” an underground transport system in partnership with Elon Musk’s Boring Company. The initial phase will encompass 17 km and consist of 11 stations, designed to accommodate up to 20,000 passengers per hour, with future expansions capable of exceeding 100,000. This system will provide direct, non-stop routes at speeds of up to 160 km/h, revolutionising urban travel in the region.

In addition to ground transportation advancements, the ambitious Etihad Rail project is set to transform intercity travel by linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah with high-speed rail. Specifically, the route between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is expected to reduce travel time to just 30 minutes, alleviating congestion on the highways.

Moreover, Dubai’s vision for the future includes the introduction of flying taxis, an innovative step towards integrating aerial mobility into its transport network. With the initial vertiport stations planned at key locations such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Airport, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, this futuristic service aims to provide on-demand air travel and substantially reduce ground traffic congestion.

As these 34 ambitious projects unfold, Dubai is poised to set new standards in urban transport. The integration of massive road expansions, intelligent traffic management solutions, pioneering underground systems, and the vision of flying taxis reflects the city’s commitment to embracing innovation.