Beware: Thousands fined under RTA’s AI-powered surveillance drive

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has warned taxi and luxury transport operators to strictly follow safety and operational rules or face fines as its smart monitoring systems ramp up real-time surveillance across the city.

Using advanced artificial intelligence, RTA’s Smart Monitoring Centre has intensified checks to identify unsafe and illegal practices among drivers. Between January and July 2025, the centre recorded over 428,000 monitoring cases, flagging 29,886 violations including speeding, failure to wear seat belts, and using mobile phones while driving.

“Drivers and operators must realise that every movement is being tracked in real time,” said Saeed Al Balooshi, Director of Passenger Transport Activities Monitoring at RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

“The system automatically detects violations and penalties are imposed without delay. Compliance is not optional, it’s essential for passenger safety and the city’s reputation,” he added.

The RTA’s AI-powered network monitors taxis, luxury vehicles, e-hailing services, and dedicated bus lanes around the clock. The authority is also expanding its systems to automatically detect more types of violations and assess driver behaviour to ensure consistent service quality.

Officials said the Smart Monitoring Centre continuously analyses data to identify trends, root causes, and repeat offenders, coordinating with relevant departments to tighten oversight and reduce breaches.

The RTA reiterated that strict monitoring and automated fines will continue as part of its broader efforts to promote discipline, safety, and trust in Dubai’s passenger transport sector.