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.
With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.
UAE motorists won’t have long to wait to find out whether fuel prices will increase in August, with the Fuel Price Committee set to announce the new rates on Thursday, July 31.
The revised petrol and diesel prices will take effect from August 1.
Will fuel prices go up?
After a welcome price cut in July, the outlook for August is less certain.
Global oil prices initially fell below $70 a barrel earlier this month, raising hopes of another reduction. However, prices have since rebounded sharply, clouding the picture for motorists.
Brent crude briefly climbed above $100 a barrel, while US benchmark WTI rose to nearly us$92. Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude also surged past us$105, reflecting renewed strength in global energy markets.
Because UAE fuel prices are based on average international oil prices over the month, the late-July rally could limit or even reverse last month’s cuts.
Current UAE fuel prices
Motorists are currently paying:
Super 98: Dh3.40 per litre
Special 95: Dh3.29 per litre
E-Plus 91: Dh3.21 per litre
Diesel: Dh3.60 per litre
These rates were introduced in July after global oil prices eased earlier in the summer.
How UAE fuel prices are set
The UAE reviews petrol and diesel prices every month based on average global crude oil and refined fuel prices.
The August rates will be announced on July 31 through official government channels and will come into effect the following day.
Abu Dhabi Police are urging motorists to switch off their engines and take their keys whenever leaving their vehicles, warning that even brief stops can increase the risk of theft, fires and other safety hazards.
The advisory applies to drivers stopping at shops, petrol stations, ATMs or mosques, where some motorists continue to leave vehicles unattended with the engine running.
Police said leaving a running vehicle unattended creates an opportunity for theft and could also lead to mechanical problems or fire-related incidents.
Motorists were also reminded never to leave children, especially infants, inside a running vehicle, describing the practice as a serious threat to their safety.
Traffic laws
Abu Dhabi Police also highlighted that UAE traffic laws prohibit leaving an unattended vehicle with its engine running.
Drivers who fail to comply with traffic rules and official instructions can face a Dh500fine under the Federal Traffic Law.
Authorities urged motorists to adopt safe habits by turning off the engine, removing the key and locking the vehicle every time they step away, no matter how briefly.
Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now check if they’re eligible to use Smart Gates before reaching passport control.
Dubai Airports has introduced the new Smart Gates Pre-Eligibility Verification service in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to make immigration faster and reduce waiting times.
How it works
Every improvement at @DXB is designed around the objective of making the journey through the #airport more seamless for our guests.
Developed in collaboration with @GDRFADUBAI, the new Smart Gates Eligibility Pre-Check gives travellers instant confirmation of their Smart Gates… pic.twitter.com/cg8irvnbfY
Travellers can instantly verify their Smart Gate eligibility through the Pocket Flights platform or by scanning QR codes placed across airport terminals and boarding gates.
The service lets passengers know in advance whether they can use the automated passport gates, helping them avoid uncertainty at immigration.
Faster airport experience
Dubai Airports says the new feature is part of its ongoing efforts to streamline passenger journeys and improve the overall airport experience.
By allowing travellers to confirm eligibility before reaching passport control, the airport aims to speed up immigration processing and make travel through DXB more seamless for millions of passengers each year.