UAE: Six upcoming transport projects that will revolutionise travel in Dubai

Dubai: In the coming years, Dubai’s public transport system is set to transform how people travel not just across the city, but throughout the UAE. From cutting-edge metro lines to next-gen mobility solutions, here’s a look at the major projects that will redefine both daily commutes and long-distance journeys.

Dubai Metro’s much-anticipated Blue Line is set to open on September 9, 2029, adding 30km of new tracks and 14 stations to the city’s growing rail network. According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) It will connect key locations like Dubai International Airport, Academic City, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Once complete, the number of metro and tram stations will rise from 64 to 78. Travel times on the Blue Line will range from 10 to 25 minutes—perfect for commuters looking for speed and convenience

Unveiled at the World Government Summit, the futuristic Rail Bus blends the features of a bus and a train. It seats 40 passengers, travels up to 100km/h, and runs on a solar-powered bridge, making it both eco-friendly and cost-efficient.

Developed in partnership with Rail Bus Inc, the vehicle offers a fresh take on urban mobility, combining speed with sustainability.

Dubai is exploring a bold new tram system without the tracks. These self-driving, electric-powered trams run on virtual tracks using cameras that follow painted lines on dedicated lanes.

Designed for smoother, faster construction and lower costs, each tram will carry up to 300 passengers in three carriages. They will cruise at speeds of 25 to 60km/h, with the ability to travel 100km on a single charge.

A feasibility study is underway to roll them out in eight key locations across the city.

Get ready to hail a ride without a driver. Dubai’s self-driving taxis will begin pilot tests later this year, with a full launch planned for 2026. Initially, a safety driver will be on board during testing.

The project is part of RTA’s partnership with global autonomous tech giants like Uber, WeRide, and Baidu, and is operated under Apollo Go, RTA’s autonomous mobility platform.

Air taxis could start flying by December 2025, with a prototype already unveiled by Joby Aviation. These all-electric aircraft will support Dubai’s goal of making 25% of all trips self-driving by 2030.

Regulations and air corridors are currently being mapped out, laying the groundwork for both piloted and autonomous air mobility, including cargo drones.

One of the most ambitious projects in the UAE, Etihad Rail’s high-speed line will connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes at speeds of up to 350km/ hour.

Etihad Rail will oversee the development and operation of the project, which is expected to contribute Dh145 billion to UAE’s GDP over the next five decades. This project is not the same as the previously announced Etihad Rail passenger service, using the same network as UAE’s freight trains.