Dubai unveils 34 transport projects to cut traffic, introduce flying taxis

With an ever-expanding skyline and a growing population, Dubai is pushing forward with bold transport initiatives to tackle congestion and revolutionize mobility, reported the Time Out Dubai.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a series of game-changing initiatives aimed at improving traffic flow across the emirate.

From billion-dirham road expansions and smart traffic light systems to futuristic transport solutions like flying taxis and underground tunnels, the city is pushing forward with major mobility enhancements.

Here’s a look at 34 upcoming projects designed to ease congestion and make commuting faster and more efficient.

Major road expansions

Dubai is making significant investments in infrastructure to improve traffic flow, with several key road expansion projects underway.

The Dhs1.5 billion upgrade of Al Fay Street will add five major intersections, increasing capacity to 64,400 vehicles per hour and benefiting 600,000 residents in areas like JVC and Dubai Sports City.

The Al Fay Street DevelopmentCourtesy: Dubai Media Office

Al Mustaqbal Street, part of a Dhs3.7 billion initiative, will see new bridges and tunnels that will boost capacity from 9,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour.

A Dhs798 million project on Al Qudra Street will drastically cut travel times from 9.4 minutes to just 2.8 minutes at key intersections.

Meanwhile, upgrades on Al Safa Street, spanning Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Wasl Road, will reduce commute times for 358,000 residents from 20 minutes to just two minutes.

One of the most significant developments, the Al Shindagha Corridor expansion, will enhance a 13-kilometer stretch benefiting nearly a million people in Deira and Bur Dubai, aiming to reduce travel times from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030.

Al Shindagha Corridor Project.Courtesy: Government of Dubai

These projects will collectively enhance mobility across the city, easing congestion and improving daily commutes.

Dedicated lanes and driverless vehicles

By 2027, Dubai will extend its dedicated bus and taxi lane network to 20.1 km, including 13.1 km of new lanes across six key streets: Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, 2nd of December, Al Satwa, Al Nahda, Omar bin Al Khattab, and Naif Street.

RTA has launched a new bus pooling initiative to reduce traffic.Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

Dubai is moving towards an autonomous future with a new federal traffic law allowing driverless cars to hit the roads. By 2030, 25% of all transport in Dubai is expected to be self-driving, including 4,000 autonomous taxis designed to ease congestion, lower emissions, and enhance road safety.

Dubai loop

In collaboration with Elon Musk’s Boring Company, Dubai is set to introduce the "Dubai Loop," a revolutionary underground transport system.

Elon Musk and his Boring Company will bring the Dubai LoopCourtesy: The Boring Company

The first phase will span 17 km with 11 stations, accommodating 20,000 passengers per hour, with eventual capacity exceeding 100,000. The system will feature direct, non-stop routes with speeds of up to 160 km/h.

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail is set to revolutionize intercity travel with high-speed trains linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah.

Etihad Rail has announced plans for a high-speed rail service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.Courtesy: Etihad Rail

The Abu Dhabi-Dubai route will cut travel time between the two emirates to just 30 minutes, reducing congestion on highways.

Flying taxis

Dubai is bringing flying taxis to life with an ambitious plan to integrate aerial mobility into its transport network.

The initial vertiport stations will be situated at Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Airport, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. These locations were chosen to enhance DXB’s connectivity to major hotel areas within the city.

This futuristic service, expected to launch in the coming years, will offer on-demand air travel, reducing ground traffic congestion significantly.

The future of mobility in Dubai

With these 34 projects, Dubai is setting new standards in urban transport. From massive road expansions and smart traffic management to groundbreaking underground systems and flying taxis, the city is embracing innovation to make commuting smoother and more efficient.

As these projects roll out, residents can expect reduced travel times, enhanced connectivity, and a future where traffic is no longer a daily struggle.