TAXI SERVICE – INAUGURATED IN 1995

In the UAE, taxis are widely available and metered with highly regulated pricing. As long as the taxi sign is lit green,
indicating that the cab is empty, they can be hailed on the street.
Using the smart apps, you can also order a cab. Taxis run round the clock in the major Emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi,
and Sharjah. Additionally, there are airport taxis that take passengers to and from airports as well as special taxis for
female customers that are driven by female drivers. The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), a subsidiary of RTA, is
responsible for supervising Dubai Taxi. It has come a long way since the establishment of its first base in Dubai
comprising 81 vehicles in 1995. In the modern day, one may find various types of taxis in Dubai including public
taxis, airport taxis, luxury taxis, ladies and family taxis, Hatta taxis, in-safe hands taxis and people of determination
taxis.

PUBLIC BUSES – INAUGURATED IN 1998

The large fleet of buses in Dubai, more than 1500, is operated by PTA – Public Transport Agency, which is regulated
by RTA. In 1998, intercity public buses were launched in Dubai with routes to Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ajman. Later,
the routes were extended to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah. Now, the buses connect Dubai with popular
tourist destinations also like the Dubai to Hatta bus service. The Feeder buses started operation in 2009, while the
Dubai Bus on-demand service was initiated in 2020.

MARINE TRANSPORTATION IN DUBAI – INAUGURATED IN 2007

The UAE government is always working to implement significant steps to reduce traffic congestion. To effectively
manage the city’s traffic, RTA has developed a diverse maritime transportation system in addition to the city’s
traditional public transportation.
The Dubai Water Bus system was the first among the different modes of public marine transportation in Dubai, to be
inaugurated in July 2007 on Dubai Creek. While Dubai Abra, Ferry, and Water Taxi were later introduced in the
Emirate.

DUBAI TRAM – INAUGURATED IN 2014

Dubai Tram proved to be another major hit in Dubai’s rail transportation system. It was inaugurated by Sheikh
Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in late 2014. Along the Al Sufouh Road from Palm Jumeirah to
Dubai Marina, the Dubai Tram connects important areas of the city. Additionally, it connects to the Palm Jumeirah
monorail.
The completely automated train system travels 10.6 kilometres and has over 11 stops located across Dubai. The Dubai
Tram offers passengers comfort and safety, as well as advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity.

GREEN MOBILITY
UAE now works as a driving force for newer modes of transportation. It put a greater emphasis on green mobility.
That said, RTA has endorsed a plan to convert public transportation in Dubai to a zero-emissions network by 2050.

FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION IN THE UAE

UAE makes significant investments in the growth of the transportation industry and uses futuristic technology to
improve its infrastructure. From tarmac roads to highways, rail and marine networks, UAE has radically transformed
the transportation network over the past years. As part of the Dubai Autonomous Transport Strategy, RTA aims to
convert 25% of Dubai’s transport to autonomous mode by 2030. That said, several upcoming transportation projects in
the UAE are currently in the pipeline. These include the UAE Hyperloop Project which will be powered by solar
energy, cutting short the travel time of two hours to 12 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
To further enhance transportation and reduce traffic congestion, air mobility is emerging as a viable concept in the
UAE. Now that the XPeng X2, the flying car, has taken its first flight, it is just a matter of time before flying cars in
Dubai will be put to commercial use. To entirely transition the transportation system from camels to flying
automobiles in the future would be the UAE’s crowning achievement.