Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened Dubai’s first Smart Bus Station at Mall of the Emirates, introducing a new tech-driven public transport experience for commuters across the city.

The station offers round-the-clock customer services through interactive smart platforms aimed at reducing waiting times and improving the overall passenger experience.

Smart bus routes

The new station serves 11 bus routes, including Dubai Metro feeder buses, internal city routes and seasonal services. It also directly connects to Dubai Metro via Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.

The smart hub links commuters to major residential and commercial areas including Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village Circle, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Science Park, as well as tourist hotspots like Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village.

Covering around 147 square metres, the station can accommodate up to 20 passengers at a time and also includes a dedicated driver rest area.

Real-time Metro, taxi updates

Among its standout features are real-time digital displays showing bus and Metro arrival times, taxi availability and local area navigation. The station also includes a smart kiosk with a virtual assistant for journey planning, Lost and Found support and direct access to customer service.

Passengers can additionally view live occupancy levels on arriving buses, helping them make more efficient travel decisions and reducing congestion during busy periods.

Students across the UAE will return to classrooms from Monday, May 11, after nearly a week of distance learning introduced as a precautionary measure.

The announcement was confirmed by the Ministry of Education, which said public and private schools, nurseries and kindergartens nationwide will resume in-person learning for students, teachers and administrative staff.

Authorities said the decision follows ongoing monitoring of developments and coordination with relevant entities to ensure the continuity of education and academic assessments.

Ahead of the reopening, schools across the country completed readiness checks and operational preparations, including updates to health and safety protocols, staff training and campus inspections.

Private schools were also given the flexibility to implement hybrid or rotational learning models if needed, subject to approval from local education authorities.

Parents and students are being encouraged to follow updates from local regulators, including the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, for school-specific guidance.

Officials added that educational institutions are expected to remain prepared for alternative learning methods if circumstances change, ensuring minimal disruption to the academic year.

Roads and Transport Authority has opened a new 500-metre bridge as part of the ongoing Commercial Centre Roundabout development project, in a move aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity across Dubai.

The newly opened bridge is designed to ease outbound traffic from Al Bada’a towards 2nd of December Street, while also creating direct links to Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Wasl Street.

According to the RTA, the project will help support increasing traffic volumes in the area, improve access to Sheikh Zayed Road and reduce congestion on surrounding roads.

The Commercial Centre district is considered one of Dubai’s strategically important areas due to its central location and connections to key business and residential zones.

Officials said the latest bridge opening forms part of Dubai’s broader infrastructure expansion strategy focused on improving mobility, supporting urban growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Dubai continues to invest heavily in road and transport projects as the emirate’s population and traffic demand continue to grow.