Signs AED 1.1 billion agreement to supply 637 environmentally friendly buses

Al Tayer:

• Dubai’s selection to host the 2026 Summit affirms the emirate’s global standing in organising major international events and highlights the efficiency of its integrated infrastructure, particularly its advanced public transport and mass transit systems.
• The mass transit system in Dubai serves as the backbone of mobility for residents and visitors across the emirate.
• The share of journeys made via public transport and shared mobility has increased from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024.
• The agreement covers the procurement of 637 buses of various types, including articulated and double-decker models, compliant with European “Euro 6” environmental standards, with delivery scheduled for 2025 and 2026.
• The agreement includes the supply of 40 electric buses, marking the UAE’s largest and first-of-its-kind electric bus procurement.

Dubai. Roads and Transport Authority. 19th June 2025:

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has received the official flag to host the Global Public Transport Summit 2026 during its participation in the summit held in Hamburg, Germany. Organised by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), the event will mark the second time Dubai has been selected as host, having previously organised the 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition in 2011.

The RTA also signed an agreement to procure 637 buses equipped with Euro 6 engines, at a total value of AED 1.1 billion. The buses are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026.

This announcement was made during the participation of the RTA delegation, led by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, in the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2025, held in Hamburg, Germany. The summit brought together 1,900 members from over 100 countries, featured 300 speakers, and hosted 80 discussion panels exploring the latest ideas and developments in urban and sustainable mobility.

On the sidelines of the summit, a public transport exhibition was held, featuring 400 specialised companies and attracting over 10,000 visitors. RTA showcased its latest projects and initiatives in sustainable public transport, autonomous mobility, and digital customer services.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer attended the opening ceremony of the summit, which was inaugurated in the presence of His Excellency Patrick Schneider, Federal Minister for Transport of the Federal Republic of Germany; His Excellency Dr Anjes Tjarks, Senator of Hamburg’s Ministry of Transport and Mobility Transition; Her Excellency Renée Amilcar, President of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP); and His Excellency Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of the UITP.

During the summit, speakers highlighted emerging trends in the public transport sector, including its role in facilitating the mobility of residents and visitors, the future of metro systems, the integration of multiple public transport modes, and the rise of individual mobility means such as bicycles and autonomous public transport systems.

Renée Amilcar, who was re-elected as President of the UITP, affirmed that mass transit is not merely about systems and schedules, but rather a societal structure centred around people.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anjes Tjarks, Senator of Hamburg’s Ministry of Transport and Mobility Transition of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, stated that the public transport system serves as the backbone of both infrastructure and the economy, acting as a catalyst for digital transformation and innovation.

Author Benita Matofska discussed strategies for driving positive change towards sustainability, stating: “The most important skill is the ability to adapt. Optimism and positive motivation empower people to feel they can make a difference.”

The Global Summit focused on a range of strategic themes that reflect the future of public transport and the challenges facing cities and operators around the world. These included sustainable mobility and carbon neutrality, innovation and smart technologies, transit-oriented urban planning, and the financing and operational sustainability of public transport systems. The summit also addressed critical areas such as inclusivity in public transport, safety and cybersecurity, international cooperation, and the development of strategic partnerships.

Strategic Partnership

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said: “Dubai’s selection to host the UITP Global Public Transport Summit reflects the confidence that international organisations and institutions place in the emirate’s leading global position and strong reputation. It also highlights the quality and efficiency of Dubai’s integrated infrastructure, particularly its advanced public transport and mass transit systems.”

He added: “Dubai’s proven ability to host world-class events and deliver them to the highest international standards reinforces its status as a preferred destination for major global gatherings.”

Al Tayer emphasised RTA’s commitment to participating in the summit, saying: “This summit is a global platform for transport professionals, bringing together heads of authorities, policymakers, developers, operators, and manufacturers to explore future solutions for public transport and showcase the latest advancements in infrastructure technologies.”

He added: “Our participation is part of a long-standing strategic partnership with the UITP, a relationship that began with the founding of the RTA and was marked by Dubai’s hosting of the UITP World Congress and Exhibition in 2011, the first to be held in the Middle East and North Africa.”

“This partnership was further reinforced with the establishment of the MENA Centre for Transport Excellence and the successful organisation of five editions of the UITP MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition,” he noted.

Al Tayer added: “Dubai’s public transport system has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the development of an advanced and diverse infrastructure that now serves as the backbone of mobility for both residents and visitors across the emirate. Thanks to these efforts, the share of journeys made using public transport and shared mobility has increased from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024.

“The newly procured buses will support the geographic expansion of bus services across all areas of Dubai and will play a key role in our transition towards a 100% electric and hydrogen-powered public bus fleet by 2050.”

Bus Supply Agreements

On the sidelines of RTA’s participation in the UITP Global Public Transport Summit, Al Tayer witnessed the signing of four major agreements to supply 637 buses of various types. These vehicles comply with the European “Euro 6” low-emission standards and include 40 electric buses, marking the UAE’s largest and first-of-their-kind order. Deliveries are scheduled for 2025 and 2026.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Mr Dan Peterson, Vice President International at Volvo Buses; Mr Barbaros Oktay, Senior Vice President and Head of the Bus Business Unit at MAN; Mr Zhou Yong Hou, General Manager of Zhongtong Bus; and Mr Murat Dedeoglu, International Sales Director at Anadolu Isuzu.

The RTA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese company BYD to pilot the operation of an electric bus equipped with the latest technologies and battery systems offered by the company. The trial will take place in Dubai over a period that includes the summer season.

The agreements were signed on behalf of the RTA by Mr Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency. Signing on behalf of Al-Futtaim Automotive, the authorised dealer of Volvo, was Mr Paul Willis, President of Al-Futtaim Automotive. Representing United Motors and Heavy Equipment Co., the authorised dealer of MAN, was Mr Khalifa Saif Darwish, General Manager of the company. The two agreements on behalf of Saeed Juma Al Naboodah Group, the authorised dealer of Zhongtong Bus and Anadolu Isuzu, were signed by Mr Medhat Shoukry, Chief Executive Officer of the group.

Bus Specifications

The agreements include the supply of 40 electric buses (zero-emission) from Zhongtong, equipped with GCC specifications and previously tested in the region. Each bus measures 12 metres in length and accommodates 72 passengers.

Additionally, the agreements cover the supply of 451 city service buses, comprising 400 MAN buses, each 12 metres long with a capacity of 86 passengers, and 51 Zhongtong buses of the same length, each accommodating 72 passengers. These buses are equipped with high standards of safety, comfort, and quality, and are powered by environmentally friendly Euro 6 engines. They are classified under the United Nations vehicle classification as Class II, allowing for flexible operation on both urban routes and inter-urban highways.

The agreement also includes the supply of 76 double-decker Volvo buses, each 13 metres long with a capacity of 98 passengers, as well as 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu, each 18 metres long with a capacity of 111 passengers. These articulated buses are designed to serve high-density urban areas and newly developed districts, ensuring broader geographical coverage in Dubai and improving occupancy rates.

Most of the buses will be equipped with the Raqeeb system (Driver Behaviour Monitoring System), which monitors and improves driver conduct using innovative technologies to enhance safety standards across the fleet. They will also be fitted with the Rasid electronic system (Automated Passenger Counting), which records actual passenger numbers and cross-references them with the automated fare collection system, aiming to reduce fare evasion.

An electronic Driver Identity Authentication system will also be installed to verify the driver’s identity inside the bus and integrate it with the operational system.

The buses will feature comfortable seating, high safety standards, and adjustable seat belts in family-designated areas to accommodate all age groups. Additionally, they will have a streamlined design that reflects Dubai’s modern and forward-looking image.

The new buses have been designed in line with the latest international specifications, with particular attention to inclusivity and passenger comfort. They feature low-floor entry points to facilitate boarding and alighting for People of Determination, designated spaces for bicycles, and special seating for children.

The buses are also equipped with Wi-Fi service, mobile phone charging ports, and smart systems to enhance the overall experience for public transport users. These features are complemented by high-quality interior finishes and spacious seating to provide a superior level of comfort.

RTA Stand

The RTA participated in the global event with a delegation comprising several CEOs and Directors. It also had a dedicated stand showcasing a range of strategic initiatives, ambitious plans, and future projects.

Among the highlights was a model of the Dubai Walk project, which outlines the master plan to transform Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city year-round. The project includes the development of more than 6,500 km of pedestrian pathways across 160 areas.

The first phase of the project involves the construction of two loops, one in the Al Ras area and the other in the Museum of the Future district, totalling 17 km. The Future Loop features an iconic, architecturally designed bridge tailored to the character of the area, stretching 2 km in length and ranging from 6 to 15 metres in width. The bridge connects 10 key destinations and includes a climate-controlled level spanning 30,000 square metres to allow year-round walking, along with 1,000 square metres of open spaces featuring shaded areas and greenery.

The RTA also showcased the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, which spans 30 km, half of which is underground, and includes 14 stations. The line is designed to serve nine residential and development areas with an estimated combined population of around one million by 2040.

In addition, the Authority presented the RAILBUS project, a futuristic, self-driving, and sustainable mass transit system powered by solar energy. It represents one of RTA’s innovative solutions for delivering environmentally friendly transport.

The RTA also highlighted the Aerial Taxi project, developed in collaboration with Skyports and Joby Aviation, which is expected to be operational by 2026.

The stand further featured a model of the world’s first electric abra manufactured using 3D printing technology in collaboration with the private sector. The abra accommodates 20 passengers.

Additionally, the stand showcased a new Dubai Metro fare payment system using palm print biometrics, allowing passengers to travel without the need for a nol card.

Inspection Tour

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, along with the accompanying delegation, toured the exhibition held alongside the summit. He reviewed the latest innovations in public transport buses and smart mobility technologies.

The tour included visits to the stand of the host city, Hamburg; the stand of BYD, the electric vehicle and bus manufacturer; and the MAN platform, where he was briefed on the latest advancements in bus manufacturing.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, reviewed Volkswagen’s latest advancements in autonomous mobility technologies. He was briefed on the trial operation of the MOIA self-driving Vehicle in Hamburg, which is being integrated into the city’s public transport network as part of Germany’s government-supported autonomous driving initiatives.

His Excellency attended a detailed presentation by Christian Senger, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, responsible for Autonomous Driving (formerly CEO of Volkswagen ADMT), who outlined the Group’s global strategy and ongoing projects in the autonomous mobility sector.

The visit included a live demonstration of the fully electric ID. Buzz AD, a vehicle developed for SAE Level 4 autonomous operation and currently undergoing pilot testing in Hamburg.

Discussions also covered potential avenues for future collaboration, including the prospect of deploying the MOIA autonomous shuttle in Dubai, in line with RTA’s strategic vision for smart and sustainable mobility.

 

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