Dubai : In a major step towards enhancing sustainable urban mobility, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Dh1.1 billion agreement to procure 637 new environmentally friendly buses, including 40 electric buses—the largest and first-of-its-kind order of electric buses in the UAE.
All buses in the new fleet comply with the European “Euro 6” low-emission standards, underlining Dubai’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Deliveries are scheduled between 2025 and 2026.
Dubai Strengthens Global Public Transport Profile
The announcement comes as Dubai is set to host the 2026 UITP Global Public Transport Summit, further cementing the emirate’s position as a global leader in public transportation and infrastructure development.
“The selection affirms Dubai’s global standing in organizing major international events and highlights the efficiency of its advanced public transport and mass transit systems,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.
Growing Shift Toward Sustainable Transport
Dubai’s public transport usage has seen a dramatic rise over the years, with the share of journeys via public transport and shared mobility increasing from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024. This growth is driven by consistent investment in infrastructure and service expansion.
The new buses will significantly enhance route coverage and service quality, supporting Dubai’s long-term vision of a fully sustainable transport network.
Al Tayer emphasized that the addition of these buses is part of RTA’s broader strategy to transition to a 100% electric and hydrogen-powered public bus fleet by 2050, aligning with the UAE’s sustainability and net-zero ambitions.
