RTA has brought about massive infrastructure improvements over the past two decades
Aerial view of Ghubaiba Bus Station then 1983 and now 2025
Dubai has always been one of the fastest growing cities in world, making it imperative to have a reliable and efficient public transport system. It is with this goal and vision that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) was created 20 years ago today, on November 1, 2005.
RTA was tasked to enhance the public transport facilities and improve roads across the emirate to make travel safer and smoother. It is also responsible for planning and providing transport requirements within the emirate and between Dubai and neighbouring emirates.
Evidently, the RTA has brought about massive infrastructure improvements over the past two decades and, to visualise them, here are the 20 major achievements by the authority since November 1, 2005:
Public Transportation buses then and now
2005: RTA is born
RTA was established to oversee and manage all aspects of transportation and traffic within Dubai. Its formation marked a significant step towards improving the city’s infrastructure, coordinating public transit services, and ensuring safer and more efficient road networks for residents and visitors alike.
RTA established—KT Archives
2007: Articulated buses roll out
Articulated buses—consisting of two rigid sections connected by a pivoting joint—were introduced on Dubai’s roads to increase passenger capacity and improve public transport efficiency.
Articulated buses—KT File photo
2007: Salik is introduced
Salik toll gates at Al Garhoud Bridge and Al Barsha near Mall of the Emirates began scanning vehicles, with Dh4 automatically deducted from each vehicle’s Salik account.
Salik—Photo by Shihab
2007: Pink taxis give privacy
Pink Taxis, driven by women for women, were launched. These taxis are easily accessible at airports, malls, hospitals, and other destinations, making transportation easy for women, while ensuring their privacy.
Pink Taxis—KT Photo by Shoaib Anwer
2008: Double-decker buses delight passengers
Double-decker buses began operating on Dubai’s roads, offering increased seating capacity and enhancing the public transportation system.
Double-decker bus—KT File
2009: Region’s first monorail begins service
The Palm Jumeirah Monorail services were launched, becoming a significant addition to Dubai’s transportation network. This innovative monorail system connected the mainland to the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island, providing residents and tourists with a convenient and scenic mode of transport.
First Monorail of the Middle East—Photo by Iftikhar Shaheedi
2009: Dubai Metro begins operations
September 9, 2009 – at precisely the 9th second of the 9th minute of 9pm, the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, tapped the first Nol card to officially start Dubai Metro operations.
It marked a major milestone in the city’s public transportation development, as Dubai Metro became the backbone of the city’s public transport network. This new rapid transit system was designed to provide a fast, efficient, and modern alternative to road travel, connecting key areas across Dubai and significantly easing traffic congestion. It also probed Dubai’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility and transformed its transit infrastructure for the future.
Inauguration of Dubai Metro—WAM File
2009: Nol cards are made available
The Silver Card was one of four types of nol cards introduced, and it was made available at 22 stations and service centres across the city. The cards, however, only became active when the Dubai Metro was launched on September 9, 2009. Now, the card can also be used to pay for fuel, taxi fare and groceries
Nol Card—KT File photo
2010: Free ride for commuters
“Check-in successful — Your journey is free!” — this message greeted Metro riders as RTA marked its first Free Public Transport Day, encouraging people to use mass transit instead of private cars.
Free ride—Photo by Shihab
2011: Green Line starts services
The Dubai Metro’s Green Line officially began operations, representing a crucial expansion of the city’s rapid transit network. This new line significantly improved connectivity by serving key commercial and residential areas that were previously less accessible by public transport.
Green Line—Reuters File
2012: Dubai Metro runs into Guinness World Records
The Dubai Metro, comprising Red and Green Lines, has entered the Guinness World Records as the longest driverless metro network in the world, spanning 75km.
Guinness World Records—FILE PHOTO
2014: Dubai Tram serves residents, tourists
Dubai Tram services were launched as a new addition to the city’s public transportation network. This modern tram system was designed to complement existing transit options by providing efficient and environmentally friendly transport along key routes, particularly connecting areas like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and Al Sufouh.
Dubai Tram—File photo
2016: A dream realised for Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed officially opened the Dubai Water Canal, adding another iconic landmark and creating a new face for the city.
Dubai Water Canal—WAM File
2017: Flying taxis are introduced
Dubai is on course to fulfilling another of its promise — a self-flying taxi service, first in the world. RTA operated the maiden concept flight of the autonomous air taxi (AAT) near the Jumeirah Beach Park.
Flying taxi—File photo
2018: Hybrid abra starts operations
An environment-friendly abra that costs just Dh2 per trip has been launched in Dubai.
Hybrid Abra—File photo
2022: Infinity bridge is opened
Dubai’s striking Infinity Bridge opened to traffic, marking a significant addition to the city’s transport network. The bridge, which features six lanes in each direction, was designed with an arch shaped like the infinity symbol — reflecting Dubai’s unlimited ambition. It formed part of the Dh5.3-billion Al Shindagha Corridor Project, aimed at improving connectivity between Deira, Bur Dubai, and newly developed neighbourhoods in the area.
Infinity bridge—FILE Photo
2024: Commuters get free WiFi
RTA offered free WiFi at the Satwa, Union, Al Ghubaiba, and Gold Souq bus stations.
Free WiFi
2025: Trial run of electric buses
RTA launched a pilot operation of an electric bus on Route F13, a feeder service to metro stations. The initiative was aimed at promoting smart, eco-friendly transport, and supporting RTA’s goal of achieving zero-emission public transport by 2050.
Trial run of Electric buses—WAM File photo. Photo: WAM
2025: Flying taxis take off
Dubai successfully conducted the first test flight of a flying taxi, marking a milestone in its push for futuristic urban mobility and paving the way for a commercial launch in 2026.
Flying Taxi-WAM File. Photo: WAM
2025: Trackless tram is introduced
The comprehensive study for the rollout of Dubai’s self-driving trackless tram system will be concluded by middle of next year, or as early as first quarter of 2026.
Trackless Tram—File photo
RTA’s 20 years of progress in numbers:
2 million+ passengers daily use public transport
Comprehensive road network of 25,000+ kms
Accommodating over 3.5 million vehicles daily
100km+ integrated Metro and Tram network
560km+ dedicated cycling tracks
1,050 vehicle bridges and tunnels
177 pedestrian bridges and underpasses
1,300 public buses
31,000 taxis and limousines
130 smart digital services
Bus Stop then 1996 and now 2025
RTA’s impact in the past 20 years
Dh158-billion real estate value enhancement due to accessibility of communities
Dh156 billion cumulative contribution to Dubai GDP
Dh150 billion revenue and financial return generated
Dh80 billion market value of companies established by RTA
Public Transportation Buses in 1990s then and now 2025
Source: Khaleej times
Published: 1 November 2025
