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Deposit empty plastic bottles, get free trips on Abu Dhabi buses

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Don’t dump those empty plastic bottles. Deposit them to avail of free trips on public buses.

In a new initiative, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, has rolled out a plan encouraging public transport passengers to obtain free trips on public buses by gaining points each time they hand in empty plastic bottles, which are then used to pay for bus fares, the Wam reported.

The initiative has been named ‘Points for plastic: the bus tariff.
In its first phase, a plastics deposit machine will be installed in Abu Dhabi’s main bus station, enabling passengers to exchange empty plastic containers for points. Every single small bottle (600 ml or less) will gain one point, while larger containers or bottles exceeding 600 ml will gain two points. Each point is equal to 10 fils, so 10 points equal Dh1.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has teamed up with Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre ‘Tadweer’, and ‘DGrade’ to launch the novel initiative.

The points balance can be compiled and transferred to the ‘Hafilat’ Personalised Bus Card, the ITC automated payment system, which calculates the fare required for the trip and automatically deducts it from the cash value stored in the card via the tariff machines installed at bus entrances and exits.

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Dubai RTA unveils new bus services and route updates to improve public transport

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Starting Friday, August 29, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will introduce five new bus routes to make getting around the city even easier.

Here’s what’s new:

  • Route 31: Connects Dubai Silicon Oasis with Dubai Outsource City every 20 minutes during peak times.
  • Routes 62A & 62B: The current Route 62 is being split into two. One will link Al Qusais Industrial Area with Al Qusais Metro Station, while the other runs from the Metro to Ras Al Khor-Samari Residences. Every 30 minutes.
  • Route F26A: Helps people move around Al Quoz Industrial Area with trips every 30 minutes.
  • Route X91: A new express service between Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Jebel Ali Bus Station. (Tip: If you need Business Bay Metro, hop on the adjusted Route 91 instead.)

However, that’s not all; RTA is also tweaking nine existing routes to make travel smoother. Changes include turning some circular routes into straight two-way trips, shortening a few long routes for faster service, and updating paths in areas like Al Quoz, International City, and Jumeirah Village Circle.

Adel Shakri, director at RTA, said the aim is simple: “We want public transport to be the best and easiest way to get around Dubai.”

So, whether you’re heading to work, school, or just out and about, expect faster, smarter, and more comfortable bus rides starting this weekend.

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Dubai RTA goes high-tech with new AI-powered driver training platform

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out a smart digital platform called Tadreeb to transform the way residents learn to drive in the emirate.

The platform connects all driving schools in Dubai, digitising the entire training and licensing journey, from lessons and assessments to permits. Using artificial intelligence, it also personalises training for learners while aiming to improve road safety.

According to Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the RTA’s Licensing Agency, Tadreeb currently serves over 250,000 trainees every year across more than 27 training centres, supported by 3,400 instructors and 3,000 vehicles.

Every training car is geo-tracked, with data fed into a central system for better monitoring. Since its launch, the platform has:

  • Cut waiting times for permits by 50%
  • Reduced training costs
  • Improved accuracy of trainee assessments
  • Helped bring down road accidents involving new drivers

Tadreeb has also won international recognition. It is the first unified driver training platform approved by the International Commission for Driver Testing and recently bagged the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.

The RTA says it will continue upgrading the system with AI and data analytics to make driving lessons even smarter and safer in the years ahead.

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Dubai Police Academy launches one-year master’s in cybersecurity

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Dubai Police Academy has unveiled a new master’s degree in cybersecurity, the first of its kind among police colleges in the Arab world. The one-year programme, which begins in December 2025, comes with tuition fees of Dh60,000 and is open to both UAE citizens and residents.

Dr Ebtsam Al Awadhi, Director of Graduate Studies at the academy, said the degree will cover four key areas: policies and management, digital forensics, digital infrastructure and security, and scientific research and publishing. Unlike traditional police academic programmes that usually take two to three years, this one is designed to be completed in a single year, requiring 30 credit hours across three semesters and a summer term.

Eligibility/Admission
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in law, security sciences or a related field from a university recognised by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. At least five years of professional experience in cybersecurity is required, alongside English proficiency (IELTS 5.5, TOEFL CBT 5.5, TOEFL IBT 550, or equivalent). Candidates must also pass an academic exam and a personal interview.

Industry-driven approach
Dr Saeed Al Rashdi, a cybersecurity expert, said the programme has been designed in line with market needs. “Practical training will take the largest share, supported by theoretical study, and industry specialists will deliver the teaching,” he explained.

Cybercrime expertise
Dubai Police has been at the forefront of tackling digital crime, with its Criminal Data Analysis Centre working alongside the CID to use AI and advanced systems for detecting criminal hotspots and predicting cyber threats. The force has successfully disrupted high-value cyber fraud operations, including tracking a gang behind a multi-billion-dirham scam.

Graduates of the new programme will be well-placed to support such missions, with strong prospects for roles in the cybersecurity sector, and potentially within Dubai Police’s own cybercrime units.

Registration is now open on the Dubai Police Academy website, with the first intake expected to include 15–20 students.

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