Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed Phase Two of its Smart Pedestrian Signal Expansion Project, installing the cutting-edge system at 10 additional locations across the emirate.

With 17 intersections already covered in Phase One, the initiative now spans 27 key sites, reinforcing the city’s commitment to intelligent infrastructure and pedestrian safety.

New smart pedestrian crossing

The smart crossings in this phase include intersections along Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Satwa Street, Salah Al Din Street, Amman Street, Al Qusais Street, and Oud Metha Street.
These signals have produced a positive outcome. “Results have shown improved safety levels at these pedestrian crossings since the signals became operational, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness in mitigating risk and enhancing the overall road experience for all users,” said Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

The smart pedestrian signal technology, developed as part of Dubai’s broader smart mobility vision, uses sensors and AI-powered systems to detect real-time pedestrian movement. This allows for dynamic signal adjustments, ensuring that people crossing the road have ample time while also optimising traffic flow for vehicles. By reducing wait times and improving predictability, the technology benefits both road users and pedestrians, especially in high-traffic and urban zones.

The Smart Pedestrian Signal Expansion Project is also aligned with Dubai’s broader vision to become the world’s smartest and happiest city.

As the city prepares for future growth and increased foot traffic in both residential and commercial districts, intelligent systems like these play a crucial role in building a safe, accessible, and future-ready urban environment.

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.