Getting around Al Quoz is about to become easier, and for a limited time, it won’t cost a dirham.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its popular Bus On Demand service to Al Quoz, with free unlimited rides available for the first two weeks from July 20.

Once the promotional period ends, fares will return to the standard Dh5 within the zone and Dh7 for interzone trips.

The RTA also confirmed that the service will soon expand to Al Satwa and Mirdif, although launch dates have yet to be announced.

How does Bus On Demand work?

Unlike traditional buses, Bus On Demand doesn’t follow fixed routes or bus stops.

Using the Dubai Bus On Demand app, passengers simply enter their pick-up and drop-off locations. The app then dispatches a shared minibus to collect them, operating much like a ride-hailing service.

Each vehicle can carry up to 13 passengers, offering an affordable alternative to taxis while providing more flexibility than conventional bus routes.

Where is the service available?

With Al Quoz joining the network, Bus On Demand now serves these communities:

• Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3
• Al Karama
• Al Mankhool
• Al Nahda
• Al Qusais
• Al Quoz
• Al Rigga
• Al Warqa’a
• Barsha Heights
• Business Bay
• DIFC
• Downtown Dubai
• Dubai Academic City
• Dubai Investments Park
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Jumeirah Village Circle
• Oud Metha
• Port Saeed

Fares after the free period

After the introductory offer, fares will be:

• Dh5 for trips within the same zone
• Dh7 for travel between zones
• Dh2 for trips within Business Bay
• Dh4 for each additional passenger included in the same booking

Operating hours

The service operates:

• Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 5am to midnight
• Friday: 5am to 1am
• Sunday: 8am to midnight

The Bus On Demand service forms part of the RTA’s efforts to provide more flexible first and last-mile public transport options across Dubai, particularly in residential communities not directly served by Metro or traditional bus routes.

Dubai residents can now experience the future of transport with free autonomous taxi rides in parts of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started public operations of its driverless taxi service in partnership with Apollo Go and autonomous driving technology company WeRide.

Passengers can book the vehicles through the Uber or Apollo Go mobile apps at no cost during the current trial phase.

Announcing the launch on social media, the RTA said: “Your next ride could be autonomous, and it’s currently free.”

The rollout follows the introduction of Dubai’s commercial autonomous taxi programme earlier this year, which began with a fleet of 100 driverless vehicles. The fleet is expected to expand gradually as demand grows.

The initiative forms part of the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to increase the adoption of autonomous transport and reinforce the emirate’s position as a global leader in smart mobility.

Drivers visiting Sharjah’s Aljada will now pay for parking in selected areas after a new smart parking system went live on July 15.

Launched by Parkin in partnership with Arada, the system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, allowing motorists to enter and exit without tickets or barriers. Parking fees are paid digitally through Parkin’s payment channels.

Where is paid parking available?

The new system covers selected parking locations across Aljada, including:

• On-street parking along East Boulevard
• Designated off-street parking lots
• Retail parking at The Boulevard, Tiraz, and Misk

How much does parking cost?

Parking charges vary depending on where you park:

East Boulevard (On-street parking)

• Dh6.30 per hour (including VAT)
• Operates 24 hours a day

Off-street parking

• Dh4.20 per hour (including VAT)
• Charged from 8am to midnight

Retail parking

Visitors parking at The Boulevard, Tiraz and Misk receive:

• First two hours free
• Dh10 per hour after the free period

What about residents?

Residents will continue using their allocated parking spaces, while any additional parking will be charged under the new tariff. Seasonal subscriptions will also be available for eligible parking areas.

The rollout marks Parkin’s first operation in Sharjah, expanding beyond Dubai as the company grows its smart parking network.

The ticketless system is designed to improve parking availability and traffic flow across Aljada, one of Sharjah’s fastest-growing mixed-use destinations, which attracts residents, students, workers and visitors throughout the day.