Dubai is getting a major tech upgrade for trainee drivers. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has updated its light vehicle driver training curriculum to include modern smart driving technologies and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The move reflects the growing number of vehicles equipped with intelligent safety features on Dubai’s roads and aims to better prepare new drivers for modern driving conditions.

What’s included in the new training?

The updated curriculum now covers training on:

• Forward collision warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure alerts
• Parking assist systems
• Adaptive cruise control
• ABS braking systems
• Other advanced driver safety technologies

According to Sultan Al Akraf, Director of Drivers Licensing at the RTA, the revised programme is designed to improve driver behaviour, enhance road safety and help reduce traffic accidents.

Integrated into driving schools and tests

The new content has been added to:

• Theoretical lessons
• Practical driving sessions
• Official driver handbooks

The programme was developed in collaboration with Dubai’s driving institutes to align training with internationally recognised road safety standards.

RTA says more than 250,000 trainees have already benefited from the updated curriculum in recent years, while workshops continue to be held for driving schools to ensure instructors stay updated on evolving vehicle technologies.

As cars become increasingly automated and technology-driven, understanding ADAS systems is becoming a key part of safe driving.

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened Dubai’s first Smart Bus Station at Mall of the Emirates, introducing a new tech-driven public transport experience for commuters across the city.

The station offers round-the-clock customer services through interactive smart platforms that reduce waiting times and improve the overall passenger experience.

Smart bus routes

The new station serves 11 bus routes, including Dubai Metro feeder buses, internal city routes and seasonal services. It also directly connects to the Dubai Metro via the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.

The smart hub links commuters to major residential and commercial areas, including Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village Circle, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Science Park, as well as tourist hotspots such as Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village.

Covering around 147 square metres, the station can accommodate up to 20 passengers at a time and also includes a dedicated driver rest area.

Real-time Metro, taxi updates

Among its standout features are real-time digital displays showing bus and metro arrival times, taxi availability and local area navigation. The station also includes a smart kiosk with a virtual assistant for journey planning, Lost and Found support and direct access to customer service.

Passengers can additionally view live occupancy levels on arriving buses, helping them make more efficient travel decisions and reducing congestion during busy periods.

Dubai Police have issued a fresh reminder to residents to strengthen the security of home surveillance systems and internet-connected devices, warning that weak settings can leave users vulnerable to hacking, privacy breaches, and even cyber extortion.

The alert comes as part of ongoing awareness campaigns led by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, represented by the Cybercrime and Electronic Crime Department. Authorities noted that many cyberattacks exploit devices with default or weak configurations, making them easy targets.

Residents are advised to take simple but vital steps:

• •Change default passwords immediately after activating any device.
• •Use strong, complex passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
• •Regularly update operating systems and apps to patch security gaps.
• •Avoid sharing personal details or passwords with unverified sources.
• •Switch off surveillance systems when not in use, especially in private spaces.
• •Stay alert to suspicious links or apps from unreliable platforms.

Dubai Police emphasised that awareness remains the first line of defence against cybercrime. To support the public, residents can access advice through the e-Crime Hub and report incidents via official channels or by calling 901 for non-emergency cases.

Authorities reiterated that community cooperation is key to reducing cybercrime and protecting individuals, families, and property in the digital age.