Dubai commuters are being advised to plan their routes carefully as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) implements a new traffic diversion near Dragon Mart, part of the ongoing Dubai Metro Blue Line mega project.

This marks stage two of traffic diversions toward International City, following the recent closure of the entrance from Ras Al Khor Road to International City 1.

Motorists can now use an alternative entrance before the current closure, as well as a new access road from E44 Al Awir Road into International City 1. The RTA urges drivers to follow posted traffic signs and plan journeys in advance to avoid congestion.

The Blue Line project, spanning 30 kilometres, aims to improve connectivity across key districts, including Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City.

This latest diversion follows earlier temporary measures around Centrepoint Metro Station and Al Khor Station. The line will ultimately feature 14 stations, nine above ground and five underground,  including major stops at Al Jaddaf, Centrepoint Interchange, and Dragon Mart.

Two Main Blue Line Routes

• Route 1: Starts at Creek Interchange on the Green Line (Al Jaddaf), passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Ras Al Khor, reaching International City 1 with an underground interchange. The route continues to International City 2 & 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City (21 km, 10 stations).
• Route 2: Begins at Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line, passing through Mirdif and Al Warqa, ending at International City 1 Interchange Station (9 km, 4 stations).

The RTA reminds commuters to use alternative routes during construction to ensure smooth and seamless journeys.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a revised fare structure for taxis booked through e-hail smart apps, with new rates taking effect immediately.

Under the updated system, the minimum fare has increased from Dh12 to Dh13, marking the first adjustment in several years. The RTA has also introduced new peak-hour charges and booking fees that vary depending on the day of the week and time of travel.

From Monday to Thursday, peak hours will run from 8am to 9.59am and 4pm to 7.59pm, during which commuters will be charged a Dh5 flagfall plus a Dh7.5 peak-hour surcharge. Outside these hours, the flagfall remains Dh5, with a Dh4 surcharge.

Night-time travellers (10pm to 11.59pm) will pay a Dh5.5 flagfall along with a Dh4.5 surcharge.

On Fridays, the peak-hour window extends until 9.59pm, while on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), peak hours are set from 4pm to 9.59pm and 10pm to 11.59pm. During late-night hours,  from midnight to 5.59am, the flagfall will be Dh5.5, with a Dh4.5 surcharge.

The move aims to reflect demand trends across weekdays and weekends, ensuring fare structures are more aligned with traffic patterns and service availability.

Abu Dhabi has taken another bold step towards becoming a smart, sustainable city, with autonomous cleaning vehicles now gliding along the Corniche.

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has officially launched a fleet of Robosweeper autonomous cleaning vehicles.

Using advanced sensors and navigation systems, the Robosweepers follow pre-programmed routes to clean pavements, squares, and pedestrian zones, all without human intervention. The vehicles are designed to maintain high hygiene standards while reducing reliance on manual labour and improving efficiency.

“By pioneering such initiatives, we are shaping a future where innovation enhances operational management and community wellbeing,” said Dr Saif Sultan Al Nasri, Acting Under-Secretary at DMT. 

The initiative supports the Emirate’s strategy to build advanced, integrated public service systems that improve the quality of life and environmental standards.