April 2025 has been another month of noteworthy developments in the UAE’s transport sector. From AI-driven mobility solutions to new public transit routes and exciting automotive events, the Emirates continues to set benchmarks in smart mobility and user-centric innovation in the region. Here is a roundup of the latest UAE automotive news and initiatives redefining mobility solutions across the Emirates.
Latest UAE Auto News From April 2025
Let’s recap the latest UAE automotive news from April 2025.
RTA to Launch a New Bus Route Between Dubai and Sharjah
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the launch of Route E308, a new intercity bus service connecting Stadium Bus Station in Dubai to Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah. Starting May 2, 2025, the new bus route between Dubai and Sharjah will operate at a fare of AED 12.
RTA Achieves ISO Certification for Outstanding Customer Experiences
RTA Dubai has been recognised internationally, securing ISO/TS 24082 certification by the British Standards Institution (BSI) for excellence in customer experience. This achievement underscores the authority’s commitment to delivering high-quality, user-centric services across its public transport and mobility services.
RTA Deploys AI to Cut Traffic Signal Wait Times by 20%
As part of the broader UAE car market updates for April 2025, RTA is now using AI to improve traffic signal control, aiming to cut waiting times by up to 20%. Part of a five-year AI strategy, the system uses real-time and historical data to adjust signals dynamically, improving traffic flow and safety, especially for public transport and priority vehicles. The RTA plans to launch over 80 AI-driven projects to make commuting in Dubai safer and more efficient.
RTA Unveils AI Strategy to Cut Travel Time by 30%
Moving on, RTA has also launched its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2030 to cut travel time by up to 30% and boost efficiency through 81 AI projects over five years. Announced during Dubai AI Week 2025, the strategy focuses on six key areas, including smart mobility, traffic management and AI-driven licensing. It aims to increase productivity by up to 40%, reduce operational costs by 20% and improve customer satisfaction by 35%.
Dubai Sees 43% Surge in Commercial Vehicles and 33% Growth in Rental Firms in 2024
RTA has recorded a noteworthy increase in commercial transport activity in 2024, reflecting the strong momentum in the automotive industry growth. Dubai witnessed a 43% rise in newly registered commercial vehicles and a 33% surge in vehicle rental firms compared to 2023. This expansion aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position the city as a leading global economic hub. The statistical details of the surge in commercial transport activity are:
- 867 new rental companies were registered in 2024, bringing the total to 3,494.
- The total rental fleet grew to 71,040 vehicles, up from 49,725 in 2023.
- High-end vehicle rentals increased by 73% and electric rentals rose by 50%.
RTA Signs MoU to Trial 50 Autonomous Taxis in 2025
RTA has signed an MoU with Baidu’s Apollo Go to launch autonomous taxis across the emirate. Starting with 50 vehicles in 2025, the service aims to scale up to 1,000 taxis by 2026. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which targets 25% of all trips to be autonomous by 2030.
RTA Earns UAE’s First IP Certificate for Solar-Powered Electric Abra Design
RTA has received an intellectual property certificate for its first industrial design — a solar-powered electric abra — from the UAE Ministry of Economy. The certificate protects RTA’s rights and supports future licensing opportunities.
Next-Generation Electric Bus Pilot Launches in Dubai
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has begun testing a new electric bus on Route F13, connecting Al Quoz Bus Depot to Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop via key landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. Manufactured by Volvo, a 12-metre long bus features high-tech features such as camera-based mirrors, a head-up display and a powerful 470 kWh battery offering up to 370 km range. With a capacity of 76 passengers, the pilot bus supports RTA’s goal of zero-emission public transport by 2050.
RTA Organises Public Auction for 90 Fancy Vehicle Plates
RTA has successfully held Public Auction No. 118 for 90 distinctive vehicle plate numbers on Saturday, 26 April 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. The event featured a range of two to five-digit plates from codes (AA, BB, CC, I, J, O, P, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z), with unique numbers like BB 19, BB 20 and CC 22 drawing strong interest from bidders.
Participants were required to register in advance via the RTA website, app or at Customer Happiness Centres, with limited seating available. To join the auction, bidders submitted an AED 25,000 security cheque and a non-refundable registration fee of AED 120.
RTA Organises Film Competition Showcasing Causes and Risks of Traffic Accidents
Dubai’s RTA has organised a short film competition for university students (ages 18–35) to raise awareness about road safety. Participants can enter solo or in teams (up to 3 people) in the Dubai RTA Film Competition. They can submit original films on topics like distracted driving, sudden lane changes and the danger of speeding.
- Submission Period: 7 April – 14 July 2025
- Prizes: Cash awards & certificates for top entries
Key Bridge Opens Linking Jumeirah Street to Al Mina Street and Infinity Bridge
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has opened a new 985-metre bridge linking Jumeirah Street directly to Al Mina Street, providing smoother access to the Infinity Bridge. This strategic route cuts travel time from around 12 minutes to just 4 minutes. The infrastructure project aims to ease congestion and enhance east-west mobility between Deira, Bur Dubai and Port Rashid.
Integrated Transport Centre Expands Pilot Autonomous RoboTaxi Service
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) has expanded its Autonomous RoboTaxi trials in partnership with Autogo and China’s Baidu-backed Apollo Go. The move is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader mobility strategy to roll out smart, sustainable transport solutions by 2026.
Featuring sixth-generation RT6 electric RoboTaxis, the pilot phase aims to test the vehicles’ AI-driven systems under real-world conditions.
Salik Parking Expands to 18 New Sites in Dubai and Sharjah
Parkonic is enhancing parking convenience by integrating its smart parking system with Salik, Dubai’s road toll operator. Starting from April 2025, 18 new parking locations will offer ticket-free, automatic payments through Salik accounts. New locations include Union Coop Nad Al Hamar, Heera Beach in Sharjah, Marina Walk and The Beach JBR, among others.
Dubai RTA Uses LiDAR for Smarter Road Maintenance
RTA has started using LiDAR technology to scan and assess roads more accurately and efficiently. This smart system collects detailed data while vehicles are in motion, inspecting up to 80 km of roads daily. This technology is 96% faster than traditional methods. Moreover, the advancement helps create digital twins of road assets, improving safety, reducing manual inspections and supporting predictive maintenance.
Abu Dhabi Expands Autonomous Taxi Network to Zayed International Airport
Now extending to Yas and Saadiyat Islands and Zayed International Airport, the TXAI service is a key part of the emirate’s strategy to make 25% of all trips driverless by 2040. Introduced in 2021, TXAI has already completed over 30,000 trips without incidents, covering 430,000 kilometres. This expansion is aligned with Abu Dhabi’s goal to reduce carbon emissions by 15% and traffic accidents by 18% by 2040.
Abu Dhabi Hosts ‘No Distraction While Driving’ Forum for GCC Traffic Week
As part of GCC Traffic Week 2025, Abu Dhabi Mobility (Integrated Transport Centre) organised the ‘No Distraction While Driving’ forum in collaboration with the International Road Federation (IRF). The event brought together officials, experts and regional representatives to raise awareness about distracted driving and explore solutions to reduce related accidents.
Abu Dhabi Mobility Showcases Green Transport Projects at EV Summit 2025
Abu Dhabi Mobility presented its key sustainable transport initiatives at the Electric Vehicles Innovation Summit (EVIS) 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from April 21–23. Featured projects included the Green Bus Programme (introducing electric and hydrogen buses to make Abu Dhabi Island fully green by 2030), Charge AD (a growing EV charging network) and its Autonomous Vehicle Project.
Sharjah Launches On-The-Spot Vehicle Inspections for University Students
Sharjah Police, in partnership with ENOC Tasjeel, have launched a two-day ‘Vehicle Inspection and Renewal’ initiative at the University of Sharjah. A mobile centre on campus offers students and faculty easy access to vehicle services, saving time and enhancing convenience. The initiative reflects Sharjah Police’s commitment to safety, community service and strong partnerships with educational institutions.
Sharjah Announces Traffic Fine Relief for Violations Older Than 10 Years
Sharjah Police have announced that over 600,000 traffic violations older than 10 years are now eligible for a waiver. This initiative was a part of an initiative by the Sharjah Executive Council to address long-standing traffic issues and expired vehicle registrations.
To qualify for the waiver, vehicle owners must pay an AED 1,000 application fee, with exceptions for cases such as the owner’s death, living abroad for over 10 years or if the vehicle has been abandoned and the owner cannot be contacted. Additionally, if the total fines are under AED 1,000, the fee may be waived.
Ras Al Khaimah Expands City Bus Network with Orange Route
As part of Ras Al Khaimah’s Transport Master Plan 2030, the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) has launched a new city bus route, the ‘Orange Route.’ This 13-kilometre route connects the Al Nakheel area to the Main Bus Station in South Al Dhait, enhancing the internal public transport network, which now totals 99 kilometres.
The Orange Route serves key destinations, including Julphar Towers, Al Sadaf Roundabout and Flamingo Beach, among others. It aims to improve accessibility, reduce travel times and offer flexible commuting options. The service operates 20 daily trips from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm, with a fare of AED 8 per trip.
UAE to Host All-Women Supercar Rally in May 2025
The Middle East’s first all-women supercar rally organised by Arabian Gazelles, will take place from May 1-4, 2025, across the UAE. The rally will cover Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
The journey begins with an exclusive track session at Dubai Autodrome, followed by a scenic drive along Fujairah’s coast and a luxury stay at a beach villa. The route will also include an ascent of Jebel Jais, a retreat at a five-star hotel and an overnight experience under the stars at Qasr Al Sarab before returning to Dubai for a grand celebration.
New Car Launches in April 2025
In April 2025, several exciting new car models hit the UAE market, marking a dynamic month for automotive enthusiasts across the country. Here’s a look at the latest additions to the UAE’s growing car lineup.
GMC Sierra ‘JIMS’ Edition
GMC has unveiled the limited-edition Sierra JIMS in the UAE, celebrating the region’s adventurous spirit with unique design elements and enhanced off-road performance. Powered by a 5.3-litre V8 engine delivering 355 hp, the JIMS Edition features exclusive topographic decals, heavy-duty wheels and region-specific badging. Inside, it boasts a 13.4-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital cluster and OnStar connectivity.
Chevrolet Silverado Chafar Edition
Chevrolet Middle East has launched the 2025 Silverado Chafar Edition, a special variant tailored for the GCC market. Named after the Arabic word symbolising strength and resilience, the Chafar Edition features a 5.3-litre V8 engine producing 355 hp and 583 Nm torque. Highlights include exclusive badging, heritage-inspired tailgate lettering and a refined cabin with a 13.4-inch infotainment screen and OnStar connectivity.
Chevrolet Equinox EV 2025
Chevrolet has debuted its all-electric 2025 Equinox EV in the UAE. With a driving range of up to 513 km, the SUV delivers 213 hp, 320 Nm torque and fast charging that adds 113 km in 10 minutes. Equipped with a bold exterior design, the Equinox EV features 21-inch wheels, a spacious five-seat interior, a 17.7-inch touchscreen and Google-integrated infotainment. The vehicle is packed with safety tech like HD Surround Vision and Emergency Braking.
Captiva Midnight Edition 2026
Chevrolet has unveiled the 2026 Captiva Midnight Edition in the UAE. Powered by a 1.5-litre turbo engine producing 144 hp and 249 Nm torque, it features CVT, McPherson strut suspension and electric power steering for smooth handling. The car exterior features a black piano grille, red stripe, 18-inch black alloy wheels and a two-tone roof. Moreover, the seven-seater SUV boasts an interior with black leatherette seats adorned by red stitching, a 10.4-inch infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof and full smartphone connectivity.
FAQs
What is the RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has expanded its pilot RoboTaxi service using AI-powered, sixth-gen electric autonomous vehicles, aiming for full rollout by 2026.
How is RTA using AI to improve traffic in Dubai?
RTA is using AI to reduce signal wait times by 20% and has launched a strategy to cut travel time by 30% with 81 AI projects by 2030.
What new bridge opened in Dubai in April 2025?
A new 985m bridge connects Jumeirah Street to Al Mina Street and the Infinity Bridge, cutting travel time from 12 to 4 minutes.
What new cars were launched in the UAE in April 2025?
Notable launches include the GMC Sierra JIMS, Chevrolet Silverado Chafar Edition, Chevrolet Equinox EV and Captiva Midnight Edition.
With this, we conclude the roundup of some important UAE automotive news from April 2025. From cutting-edge AI deployments and sustainability pilot buses to improved inter-emirate commute, April 2025 has been a transformative month for the UAE’s auto and transport sectors
If you have missed important updates on the country’s transport and mobility sector from last month, here’s a look at the UAE auto news from March 2025.
Besides, those looking for a new vehicle for their daily commute, take a look at these new cars available for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s car blog for more updates on the UAE’s automotive industry.
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