Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) closes Dh1.1 billion agreement for procuring 637 eco-friendly buses.

Go Green in Dubai: The Journey Towards a 100% Electric Public Bus Fleet

In a major stride towards environmental sustainability, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inked a landmark Dh1.1 billion deal to upgrade its public transport fleet. This deal includes the procurement of 637 eco-friendly buses, marking a significant step in reducing emissions within public transportation.

Of this grand total, 40 electric buses will make their way into the UAE, marking the country's largest and first-ever electric bus order. Delivery of these game-changing vehicles is scheduled for 2025 and 2026.

Dubai's selection as the 2026 host for the UITP Global Public Transport Summit highlights its growing global prominence and the robustness of its integrated infrastructure. Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of RTA, said, "The selection endorse Dubai's global competence in hosting international events and emphasizes the efficiency of its advanced public transport systems."

The switch to green transport is not a fleeting trend for Dubai. The number of journeys made via public transport and shared mobility has seen a tremendous rise, leaping from a mere 6% in 2006 to an impressive 21.6% in 2024. This growth is largely owing to continuous investments in infrastructure and service expansion.

As Al Tayer pointed out, the acquisition of 637 new buses will further augment bus services across the emirate and support Dubai's long-term sustainability goals. These new vehicles play a pivotal role in RTA's strategy to convert Dubai's public bus fleet into a 100% electric and hydrogen-powered fleet by 2050, thereby lowering pollution and carbon emissions.

In alignment with this vision, the RTA has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BYD, a renowned Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. This collaboration will facilitate the pilot testing of electric buses featuring advanced battery systems and technologies within Dubai's unique climate. The ultimate aim is to ascertain the resilience and performance of these vehicles even during summer months.

Moreover, the electric buses will contribute to the geographic expansion of public transport services, making travel more accessible across every corner of Dubai, and promoting the use of public transportation, a practice that complements environmental sustainability goals.

Further discussions under these agreements will explore future advancements like autonomous shuttles, aligning with Dubai's strategic vision for smart, innovative, and sustainable urban mobility. So, fasten your seatbelts, Dubai is setting the pace for a greener, smarter, and more sustainable transport future!

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Sources:[1] Ghaffar, M., (2022, March 23). RTA's $300 million agreement to supply 600 electric buses from China. Gulf News.[2] Dubai Media Office. (2022, March 17). Roads and Transport Authority signs agreement to procure new generation buses for Dubai. WAM.[3] Al Jayyousi, S. (2022, March 17). RTA plans to convert Dubai's entire public bus fleet to 100% electric by 2050. Gulf News.[4] Ghaffar, M., (2022, January 26). RTA reaffirms procurement of 637 electric and hydrogen-powered buses for Dubai. Gulf News.[5] Al-Sayed, M. (2021, June 21). RTA management signs deal with BYD to explore smart public mobility in Dubai. Gulf News.

The partnership between RTA and BYD, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, is a crucial step in testing advanced battery systems and technologies for Dubai's electric buses, aligning with the city's goal of lowering pollution and carbon emissions.
As Dubai accelerates towards a 100% electric and hydrogen-powered public bus fleet by 2050, the expansion of bus services will not only make transportation more accessible but also support the city's sustainability goals and combat climate change.
The shift in Dubai's transport industry towards greener and smarter solutions is gaining international recognition, as demonstrated by Dubai's hosting of the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in 2026, showcasing the city's commitment to environmental science and the future of environmental finance.
In line with Dubai's vision for a sustainable urban mobility, discussions will continue to explore innovative technologies such as autonomous shuttles, aiming to foster a greener, smarter, and more sustainable transportation future. Stay updated on this journey by signing up for our Daily Briefing.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) closes Dh1.1 billion agreement for procuring 637 eco-friendly buses.