Abu Dhabi authorities have closed 69 food establishments since last year after inspectors uncovered serious food safety violations, including pest infestations, expired products and poor hygiene standards.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) said 55 businesses were shut down in 2025, while another 14 have been closed so far in 2026 after repeatedly failing to comply with food safety requirements.

Why were they closed?

Officials said the most common violations included:

• Selling expired food products
• Insects and pests in food preparation areas
• Poor hygiene practices
• Improper storage of perishable food
• Failure to meet mandatory food safety requirements

Authorities stressed that closure is only used as a last resort after businesses fail to respond to warnings and corrective notices. The crackdown comes as consumers continue to report food safety concerns across the emirate.

What happens next?

Closed establishments are only allowed to reopen once inspectors confirm all violations have been addressed and food safety standards are fully met.

The authority said regular inspections and surprise visits will continue across restaurants, cafeterias, supermarkets and food outlets to help protect public health.

Officials also encouraged residents to report suspected violations and check food safety ratings displayed under the emirate’s Zadna Assessment programme before dining or shopping.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a new generation of AI-powered smart dashboards to manage the city’s bus network in real time, helping improve service reliability, predict disruptions and reduce emissions.

The technology has been deployed at the Bus Operations Control Centre and uses advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to monitor and optimise bus services across Dubai.

Smarter bus operations

Developed by RTA’s Public Transport Agency in partnership with its Artificial Intelligence Centre, the system enables operators to identify issues before they affect passengers and make faster operational decisions.

The platform includes tools for:

• Predicting potential trip cancellations
• Monitoring early bus departures
• Managing disruptions linked to metro services
• Optimising bus turnaround and route operations

These applications are now fully integrated into the control centre’s daily operations.

Delays reduced by 68%

According to RTA, the AI-powered system has already delivered measurable improvements.

Early departures have been reduced by more than 68 per cent, while automated monitoring and response tools have helped improve service consistency and passenger experience.

The system can also trigger the rapid deployment of buses during metro service interruptions, reducing disruption for commuters.

Boosting sustainability goals

Beyond operational improvements, the technology is also helping support Dubai’s environmental targets.

By improving bus parking management and reducing unnecessary engine idling, the initiative has contributed to cutting more than 13,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

RTA said the project represents a major shift towards proactive, data-driven public transport management and highlights Dubai’s growing use of artificial intelligence in everyday city operations.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen public transport efficiency, enhance customer experience and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart mobility and AI-powered urban services.

Dubai motorists can expect faster access to Dubai Harbour this summer as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) prepares to open a major new bridge that will dramatically cut travel times in the area.

The new bridge is expected to significantly ease congestion around Dubai Harbour and nearby communities.

RTA says the project will reduce travel times from around 12 minutes to just three minutes, while accommodating up to 6,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Now, nearly 90 per cent complete, the 1.5-km bridge features two lanes in each direction, providing direct entry and exit between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour.

First phase to open this month

The first phase of the bridge will open later this month, allowing traffic travelling from Sheikh Zayed Road, from both Deira and Jebel Ali directions, to access Dubai Harbour directly.

The second phase, scheduled for July, will open routes from Dubai Harbour towards Al Naseem Street, as well as connections to the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and Al Naseem Street.

Connecting key areas

The bridge starts at Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road near the American University in Dubai and extends to Dubai Harbour Street.

The route passes through key intersections, including Al Naseem Street, Al Falak Street and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, improving connectivity across one of Dubai’s busiest coastal districts.

Once fully operational, the bridge is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and support growing demand in Dubai Harbour and surrounding residential and tourism areas.