Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the rollout of free Wi-Fi at 43 locations across the city, including 21 public bus stations and 22 marine transport stations, as part of a new partnership with e&.

The move is designed to make daily commutes more connected, convenient, and enjoyable, enabling passengers to stay online using smartphones, tablets, and laptops while on the go.

This digital upgrade is part of RTA’s broader smart mobility transformation, aligning with Dubai’s vision to become the world’s smartest and happiest city. Officials say the Wi-Fi service will be continuously monitored and expanded to maintain fast and seamless internet access across the emirate’s transport network.

Smarter Marine Transport Too

In a related update, the RTA also revealed enhancements to its Seasonal Marine Transport Network, using advanced big data algorithms to improve flexibility during high-demand periods like holidays and major events.

The data-driven system allows the RTA to adjust marine transport operations in real time, boosting efficiency, occupancy rates, and customer satisfaction. It’s a key example of how tech and agility are driving Dubai’s transport future.

Pack your bags, jet-setters. The Gulf is about to become your next ultimate multi-stop getaway, no extra paperwork needed.  A UAE minister has officially confirmed that a Schengen-style unified tourist visa for all six GCC countries is finally happening.

“The single GCC visa has been approved and should be rolled out soon,” revealed UAE’s Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri at a press event.

That means with one visa, you’ll be able to hop between Dubai’s skyscrapers, Oman’s mountains, Qatar’s museums, Bahrain’s beaches, Saudi Arabia’s mega projects, and Kuwait’s culture scene, all in a single trip.

Say Hello to the GCC Grand Tours Visa!

Nicknamed the “GCC Grand Tours Visa”, the new system is being compared to Europe’s Schengen visa, and yes, it’s that big of a deal.

Forget applying separately for each country. This new visa will give you free rein across the Gulf, making travel cheaper, faster, and way more fun.

Work Hard, Play Harder

Experts say the visa could spark a leisure boom, where business travellers stay longer to explore the region. Think quick meetings in Riyadh, followed by a weekend in Dubai or Muscat.

Plus, it’s expected to supercharge:

• Tourism across all six countries
• Job creation in hotels and travel
• Billions in tourism spending
• New resorts and attractions on the way!

Gulf Tourism Is Already on Fire

The Gulf isn’t just bouncing back from the pandemic — it’s booming:

• 68.1 million visitors in 2023
• $110.4 billion in tourism revenue
• 42.8% increase in arrivals vs pre-Covid

In the UAE, tourism supported 833,000 jobs in 2022, and this number is expected to reach 1 million by 2030.

Dubai’s Still the Star of the Show

Dubai is leading the regional tourism charge with 7.15 million visitors in just the first four months of 2025, up 7% from last year. And once the unified visa kicks in, expect those numbers to skyrocket.

When Can You Use the Visa?

While there’s no official launch date yet, the visa has cleared its biggest hurdle, government approval. It’s now in the hands of the Ministry of Interior and key stakeholders.

As regional airspace disruptions affect flight paths across the Middle East, the UAE has swiftly activated an emergency operations plan to keep airport services running smoothly and ensure traveller safety.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed it has increased staffing across all UAE airports, deploying qualified teams around the clock. These efforts are part of a coordinated response to recent airspace closures in neighbouring countries that have forced airlines to reroute flights.

To minimise disruption, the ICP is working closely with strategic partners and airport operators to fast-track procedures, provide real-time updates to passengers, and ensure immigration and customs processes continue seamlessly.

Authorities have also rolled out support services for delayed travellers, including logistics assistance and access to information desks.

“The safety and service experience of passengers remain our top priority,” the ICP said in a statement, urging travellers to stay updated through official channels.

The UAE’s swift action underlines its commitment to operational readiness and reinforces its reputation as a global travel and logistics hub, even in the face of unexpected regional challenges.