Dubai residents could soon see shorter travel times and smoother journeys as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rolls out a new trackless tram system and expands dedicated bus and taxi lanes across the city.

The ambitious transport upgrade is designed to make commuting faster, safer and more sustainable.

What Is Dubai’s Trackless Tram?

The new trackless tram is an autonomous, electric-powered transit system that runs on virtual tracks rather than fixed rails. Using cameras, optical navigation, GPS and LiDAR technology, the tram follows painted road markings with high precision.

Unlike traditional tram systems, it requires no heavy rail infrastructure, making it quicker and more cost-effective to implement.

The tram will operate across eight locations in Dubai and feature:

• Three carriages with a capacity for up to 300 passengers
• A top speed of 70km/h
• Operational speeds between 25–60km/h
• A range of up to 100km on a single charge

Powered by artificial intelligence, the system can detect obstacles and adjust its route in real time, adding a new dimension to Dubai’s smart mobility network.

Dedicated Bus and Taxi Lanes to Expand

Alongside the tram rollout, RTA is adding six new dedicated bus and taxi corridors covering 13km, increasing the total network to 20km across Dubai.

The expansion is expected to:

• Cut bus journey times by 41%
• Improve on-time performance by 42%
• Increase ridership by 10%

Officials say the move will encourage more residents to shift from private cars to public transport, helping ease congestion and reduce emissions.

Rising Demand for Public Transport in Dubai

Dubai’s public transport system recorded 802 million riders in 2025, marking a 7.4% increase compared to 2024. The introduction of the trackless tram supports Dubai’s long-term goal of building a seamless, high-capacity and sustainable transport ecosystem.

For residents, it means faster commutes and more reliable transport options.

The UAE’s Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council is working on a new regulatory framework to govern children’s use of social media, as part of broader efforts to create a safer and more balanced digital environment for future generations.

The initiative was discussed during a council meeting chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Council.

Sheikh Abdullah said that regulating children’s use of social media is a national responsibility that requires clear and structured frameworks aligned with rapid technological advancements. He emphasised that these frameworks must be robust enough to protect young users while keeping pace with ongoing digital transformation.

Age-based regulations under review

According to the council, the next phase will involve careful evaluation through a phased, risk-based implementation strategy. This includes introducing age-based access regulations tailored to the developmental needs of different age groups.

The proposed approach aims to balance regulation with empowerment, ensuring children can benefit from modern technologies while being safeguarded from potential risks.

Cross-sector coordination

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of strengthening community awareness and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. The framework is expected to involve collaboration across social, technical, educational, security, media and health sectors to ensure an integrated and effective approach.

Officials said the initiative is part of wider national efforts to promote digital safety for children. Discussions also covered the development of education policies and curricula, as well as the results of students’ standardised assessments.

The council underscored the need for responsible digital engagement, stressing that future policies must combine appropriate safeguards with education and awareness to support children’s well-being in an increasingly connected world.

The UAE Council for Fatwa has announced that the Ramadan Crescent Moonsighting Committee will convene on Tuesday, February 17, at 6pm at the historic Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi to determine the start of Ramadan.

The committee will be chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Al Mahfouz bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Council for Fatwa, and attended by Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Vice-Chairman of the Council.

Proceedings will begin after the Maghrib prayer, when the committee will review field observation reports and findings from accredited observatories across the UAE. Testimonies submitted from different parts of the country will also be examined in accordance with approved religious and procedural guidelines.

The Council said the meeting falls within its mandate to observe and confirm lunar months, reinforcing its role as the unified official authority for moon sighting in the UAE and strengthening the institutional framework for declaring the start of Islamic months.

Residents urged to take part

Residents and citizens have been invited to take part in sighting the crescent and to submit verified reports through the Council’s designated online platform. The Council emphasised the importance of reviving the prophetic tradition of moon sighting and encouraging community participation.

If the crescent moon is sighted on Tuesday evening, Ramadan will begin on Wednesday. If it is not sighted, the holy month will commence on Thursday.

An official announcement confirming the start date will be issued through authorised channels following the committee’s deliberations.

UAENews