UAE has one of the most advanced transportation systems and infrastructures in the world. It is an intensively developed country with major industries playing an important role in promoting the country’s economic growth. Among these industries, the transport industry is a key driver of the UAE’s economy.
From roads to marine transport, UAE is home to top-notch amenities that promote business and tourism. That said, the transportation improvement was not achieved overnight, rather it accounts for years of hard work that began in the 1970s. Let’s take a closer look at the development of transportation in the UAE over the years.
Early Years of Transportation in the UAE
Earlier in the 1970s, UAE had more camels than cars on the roads. Even the roads were not well developed. To even think of supercars grazing the now-developed roads across the UAE would have been a wild dream for every Emirati back then.
It wasn’t until 1971 that a single-carriageway was constructed linking Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Travelling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai was a completely different story at that time. The drivers used sand tracks along the coastline to get between the two cities as there was no road. Landrovers, at that time, were known as “Ships of the Desert”. They were the go-to vehicles in the early days of overland trade with Abu Dhabi.
By 1973, the Dubai to Abu Dhabi Road was constructed, ending the difficult land crossings to the Emirate. By the mid-1990s, the highway was enlarged to four lanes on each side and the roundabouts were replaced with flyovers.
Considering the condition of roads in the UAE, one can easily gauge that there was no marine or rail transportation back then.
Fast Forward to Modern Transportation in the UAE
The evolution of the transportation system in the UAE saw a development boom in the 1990s and the early 2000s, which was when fast changes occurred. The roads were further developed due to which the country now boasts a remarkable road system.
This system not only connects each Emirate but links the country to other regions as well. This regional connection improves the UAE’s position as a trading gateway in the Gulf region by facilitating the transportation of cargo and merchandise.
Although the development of transportation in the UAE was witnessed in every Emirate, let’s take a look at Dubai’s public transportation in particular.
Taxi Service – Inaugurated in 1995
In the UAE, taxis are widely available and metered with highly regulated pricing. As long as the taxi sign is lit green, indicating that the cab is empty, they can be hailed on the street.
Using the smart apps, you can also order a cab. Taxis run round the clock in the major Emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Additionally, there are airport taxis that take passengers to and from airports as well as special taxis for female customers that are driven by female drivers.
The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), a subsidiary of RTA, is responsible for supervising Dubai Taxi. It has come a long way since the establishment of its first base in Dubai comprising 81 vehicles in 1995. In the modern day, one may find various types of taxis in Dubai including public taxis, airport taxis, luxury taxis, ladies and family taxis, Hatta taxis, in-safe hands taxis and people of determination taxis.
RTA has also partnered with Udrive and ekar to provide a smart car rental service via which a customer can rent a car per hour in Dubai. Additionally, Uber services are available in the region.
Public Buses – Inaugurated in 1998
The large fleet of buses in Dubai, more than 1500, is operated by PTA – Public Transport Agency, which is regulated by RTA.
In 1998, intercity public buses were launched in Dubai with routes to Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman. Later, the routes were extended to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah. Now, the buses connect Dubai with popular tourist destinations also like the Dubai to Hatta bus service. The Feeder buses started operation in 2009, while the Dubai Bus on-demand service was initiated in 2020.
The bus fares are paid via NOL cards. Dubai bus routes, timings and fares are easily available on RTA’s S’hail App and RTA website.
Marine Transportation in Dubai – Inaugurated in 2007
The UAE government is always working to implement significant steps to reduce traffic congestion. To effectively manage the city’s traffic, RTA has developed a diverse maritime transportation system in addition to the city’s traditional public transportation.
The Dubai Water Bus system was the first among the different modes of public marine transportation in Dubai, to be inaugurated in July 2007 on Dubai Creek. While Dubai Abra, Ferry, and Water Taxi were later introduced in the Emirate. Nol card can be used to pay the fare for using marine public transportation.
Dubai Metro – Inaugurated in 2009
In 1997, the idea of the Dubai Metro was proposed to eliminate traffic congestion and reliance on road transport only. Dubai’s Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) was established in 2005. Since then, RTA has been supervising transportation in the region.
In 2009, the Ruler of Dubai announced the initiation of the world’s longest (52.1 kilometres), driverless, single-line metro in the region. This was the Dubai Metro Red Line with 29 stations. Later in 2011, a further 23 kilometres were added to the rail network with the inauguration of the Dubai Metro Green Line.
All trains and metro stations have air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, CCTVs, platform alarms, integrated radio systems, educational displays, and improved accessibility services. The cabins are allocated for different commuter groups with dedicated seating for ladies, children and people of determination. The fare can be paid via Nol card.
After Dubai won the right to host Expo 2020, an extension of 15 kilometres was made on the Dubai Metro Red Line. This extension was termed ‘Route 2020’, which increased the total length of Dubai Metro to 89.6 kilometres. This served as a convenient mode of transportation for Expo 2020 visitors and as a corridor between Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai communities.
Palm Jumeirah Monorail – Inaugurated in 2009
A monorail system was launched in Dubai for the first time in 2009, namely Palm Jumeirah Monorail. As the name suggests, the monorail connects Palm Jumeirah’s key landmarks The monorail spans approximately 5.5km across Palm Jumeirah and has a three-minute distance between its five stations.
Dubai Tram – Inaugurated in 2014
Dubai Tram proved to be another major hit in Dubai’s rail transportation system. It was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in late 2014. Along the Al Sufouh Road from Palm Jumeirah to Dubai Marina, the Dubai Tram connects important areas of the city. Additionally, it connects to the Palm Jumeirah monorail.
The completely automated train system travels 10.6 kilometres and has over 11 stops located across Dubai. The Dubai Tram offers passengers comfort and safety, as well as advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity. The fare can be paid using Nol card.
There are seven cabins in total on each tram, divided between the gold and silver classes. Women and children are permitted in a silver-class cabin.
As per RTA, approximately 210 million passengers use Dubai Metro and Tram annually.
Micro-mobility
In the UAE, e-scooters, mopeds and bicycles have been steadily gaining popularity as micro-mobility options in the region. An e-scooter is a kind of personal, lightweight, portable electric vehicle (PLEV) that offers quick, practical, and close-range mobility. It is one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation since it produces zero emissions.
To offer rental scooter services, RTA has collaborated with a few foreign and local businesses. The RTA has designated areas and tracks for the use of e-scooters in Dubai.
Moreover, RAKTA (Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority) has collaborated with FENIX to launch on-demand e-bikes and e-scooters in the regions. This is in line with the scope of expanding micro-mobility options in RAK.
Future of Transportation in the UAE
UAE makes significant investments in the growth of the transportation industry and uses futuristic technology to improve its infrastructure. From tarmac roads to highways, rail and marine networks, UAE has radically transformed the transportation network over the past years.
As part of the Dubai Autonomous Transport Strategy, RTA aims to convert 25% of Dubai’s transport to autonomous mode by 2030. That said, several upcoming transportation projects in the UAE are currently in the pipeline. These include the UAE Hyperlook Project which will be powered by solar energy, cutting short the travel time of two hours to 12 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
With this, we conclude our discussion on the development of transportation in the UAE.
UAE now works as a driving force for newer modes of transportation. It put a greater emphasis on green mobility. That said, RTA has endorsed a plan to convert public transportation in Dubai to a zero-emissions network by 2050.
To further enhance transportation and reduce traffic congestion, air mobility is emerging as a viable concept in the UAE. Now that the XPeng X2, the flying car, has taken its first flight, it is just a matter of time before flying cars in Dubai will be put to commercial use. To entirely transition the transportation system from camels to flying automobiles in the future would be the UAE’s crowning achievement.
While autonomous transportation in the UAE might be a thing of the future, you can still pick your ideal ride from these used cars for sale in the UAE to have a seamless driving experience.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for more information about futuristic transportation modes in the UAE.
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