August 2025 delivered major developments in the UAE auto sector, reshaping mobility, infrastructure and vehicle offerings. The month highlighted the nation’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and smart mobility, from new car launches to road developments and RTA upgrades. Collectively, these developments cement the UAE’s position as a regional hub for advanced automotive technology and future-ready transport solutions.
UAE Automotive News From August 2025
Here are some of the important UAE auto sector news from August 2025.
The Taxi Sector Records 7% Growth in Trips Compared to 2024
Dubai’s taxi sector achieved striking progress in the first half of 2025, with total trips rising from 55.7 million in H1 2024 to 59.5 million, a 7% increase, as per Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Passenger numbers also climbed significantly, reaching 103.5 million from 97 million.
Hala Taxi’s market share grew to 41.3%, up from 40.3% the previous year. Additionally, active drivers increased to nearly 14,000, from about 13,000. Service efficiency improved, with estimated arrival times under 3.5 minutes rising to 74%, compared to approximately 70% in H1 2024.
Notable Shift to Digital Channels by Metro and Tram Users in H1 2025, Compared to 2024
Dubai RTA continues its push for smarter, more efficient mobility, with a marked shift toward digital nol card top-up channels in the first half of 2025 compared to H1 2024. Digital top-ups via smart ticket vending machines surged by 20%, while total top-ups through vending machines dropped 28%.
Cash-based top-ups at ticket offices dropped 37%, with all transactions declining 26% overall. This digital transition also yielded operational benefits, including an 80% drop in technical breakdowns and reduced cash-handling costs.
Launching 5 New Bus Routes From 29th August 2025
RTA introduced five new public bus routes on August 29, 2025, to meet rising commuter demand and improve the emirate’s transport network.
New routes include:
- Route 31 links Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Outsource City (20-minute intervals).
- Routes 62A and 62B, splitting Route 62, connect Al Qusais Industrial Area to Al Qusais Metro Station and Ras Al Khor (Samari Residences). The buses will operate at 30-minute intervals.
- Route F26 connects the Onpassive Bus Station to Al Quoz Industrial Area 4.
- Route X91 connects the Express service between Al Ghubaiba and Jebel Ali Bus Stations, bypassing Business Bay Metro Station.
Simultaneously, nine existing routes, such as 7, 91, F62, 77, X25, 50, 21A, 21B and J01, were reconfigured to enhance connectivity and efficiency.
Qualifying New Drivers Through ‘Tadreeb’ Digital Platform
In a major mobility update, RTA has taken a new step in driver training with the launch of the Tadreeb digital platform. This AI-powered system connects 27 driving institutes and manages training through more than 3,400 instructors and 3,000 vehicles. It supports around 250,000 learners annually with nearly six million training hours.
The platform fully digitalises assessments, improves transparency and ensures 97% trainer compliance. Streamlining processes also cuts waiting times for permits and reduces operational costs.
Enhancing Mobility and Safety Around 27 Dubai Schools
Moving forward, Dubai RTA has significantly improved school safety and mobility with targeted upgrades across 10 school-zone sites, benefiting 27 schools during summer 2025. These enhancements include widening roads at the Al Warqa schools complex, adding dedicated parking for staff and parents in Al Mizhar and Al Barsha and constructing new school entrances and exits.
Pedestrian signals and traffic-calming measures were also introduced to enhance child safety. The improvements have increased parking capacity by 90% and improved traffic flow in some areas by 25–40%, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding school zones while easing urban congestion.
Awarding Contract to Widen the Bridge Leading to Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport
Building on recent infrastructure updates, RTA has awarded a contract to widen and elevate the bridge leading to Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport. The upgrade will expand the bridge from three to four lanes using an innovative steel box girder and composite concrete slab design. This will enable swift delivery without traffic diversions or temporary supports, ensuring smooth traffic flow on Airport Street.
Stretching 171 metres including ramps (with a 70-metre main span), the revamped structure will enhance landscaping, lighting, roadway surfaces and infrastructure services. Capacity will climb from 4,200 to 5,600 vehicles per hour, a 33% boost, reducing congestion and journey times for the capital’s ever-growing passenger flow.
Replacing 9000 Wayfinding Signage Units Across Metro Stations to Improve Visibility
RTA has completed a major wayfinding signage upgrade across all Metro and Tram stations, installing around 9,000 new signs over 11,000 work hours. The upgrades include clearer entry, exit and platform guidance, featuring exit signs in bright yellow boxes, refreshed directional markers and intuitive floor stickers. Commuter etiquette is encouraged through behavioural-message stickers displayed in waiting areas.
Signage for Women & Children and Gold Class cabins has also been improved, replacing subtle floor markings with prominent pink and gold boards to deter unauthorised use. Updates are mirrored across RTA’s mobile apps, audio systems and digital platforms for a seamless navigation experience.
Revamping Services and Initiatives Through the Virtual Assistant (mahboub)
Dubai RTA has significantly enhanced its digital service delivery with upgrades to its corporate virtual assistant, Mahboub. Aligned with RTA’s AI Strategy 2030, the platform enables streamlined driver and vehicle licensing via UAE Pass for fast identity verification and secure Dubai Sadad payments.
With 330 services available, including fine payments, vehicle renewals, nol card top-ups and appointment bookings, Mahboub supports Arabic and English users across the website, smart apps and WhatsApp. Since its 2018 launch, it has handled over 27 million conversations and 800,000 transactions, maintaining a low 1.5% live-chat transfer rate while reducing call centre volume by around 70%.
Calling on School Bus Operators to Ensure Student Safety and Comfort
Building on its recent Back-to-School initiatives, Dubai has urged all school bus operators to ensure student safety and comfort across the Emirate, gearing up for the 2025–2026 academic year. The RTA emphasised strict adherence to health and safety standards, including equipping buses with essential safety features, intensive driver and attendant training and integrating modern technologies to enhance onboard well-being.
Specialised inspection campaigns are ongoing to monitor compliance, while operators are encouraged to maintain regular communication with parents. Students are reminded to follow attendants’ instructions during boarding and alighting and drivers must comply with traffic regulations, especially in school zones.
Traffic Improvements Begin at Nad Al Hamar Intersection from Ras Al Khor Road and Al Rebat Streets
RTA is advancing mobility with targeted traffic upgrades at the Nad Al Hamar Intersection. The authority has commenced construction of an 850-metre lane from Ras Al Khor Road toward the intersection, alongside widening the storage lane for vehicles turning left from Al Rebat Street.
This enhancement will boost capacity by 33% (from 4,800 to 6,400 vehicles per hour), cutting down travel times from 15 to 11 minutes and enhancing traffic flow by up to 27%, particularly during evening peak hours. Once complete by the end of August, the upgrade will improve connectivity to Al Rashidiya, Al Qusais and Dubai International Airport, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to seamless and sustainable mobility.
Launching a Smart Digital Platform to Monitor and Analyse Traffic
An AI-powered traffic management platform called ‘Data Drive – Clear Guide’ has been launched to transform how roads are monitored and analysed. The system uses five years of real-time and historical data to provide instant alerts on congestion, speed variations and traffic flow patterns, replacing slow manual reporting.
Users can study specific routes or zones with an interactive map, while automated reports evaluate the effects of roadworks and diversions.
Quick Wins Implemented for the Traffic Coming from Ras Al Khor Towards Al Meydan Street Intersection
Targeted quick-win improvements have been implemented to ease congestion at Ras Al Khor towards Al Meydan Street Interchange. By expanding from two to three lanes, vehicle capacity has increased from 1,800 to 2,700 per hour, with a 30% boost. Set for completion on August 10, these enhancements aim to smooth traffic flow from industrial zones toward major surrounding districts, reducing wait times during peak periods.
Based on a dynamic strategy that leverages traffic studies, control-centre data, public feedback and field monitoring, this upgrade exemplifies responsive infrastructure planning tailored to evolving urban mobility needs.
Outstanding Results Achieved by the Smart Monitoring System in Tracking Driving School User Behaviour
RTA has launched a game-changing smart monitoring system to elevate training oversight in driving schools. Equipped with AI-powered cameras, it tracked nearly 1.735 million training sessions involving 245,764 learners over seven months, surpassing last year’s figures by 14-fold. Inspections that once took 20 minutes now wrap up in just one, while detected violations have increased fivefold.
In real time, the system automatically flags unsafe behaviours, such as mobile-phone use, seat-belt neglect, distraction, uniform lapses and straying from training zones.
2,172 Taxi Drivers Honoured for Their Adherence to Laws and Regulations
Building on its commitment to excellence, a celebrated initiative has honoured 2,172 Dubai taxi drivers as ‘Road Ambassadors’ for upholding the highest standards of conduct. These honourees were recognised for their adherence to traffic laws, cleanliness of self and vehicle, courteous service and integrity in returning lost items.
The program spans 2024 and the first half of 2025 and has brought in healthy competition. Agency leaders praised the initiative for enhancing commuters’ daily experience and public trust. At the same time, the drivers expressed gratitude, viewing the award as both recognition and motivation to continue delivering exceptional, law-abiding service.
Opening of a Tunnel With Four Lanes in Each Direction on Umm Suqeim Street
Dubai RTA has launched an 800-metre tunnel with four lanes in each direction as part of a major roadway expansion. The new underpass boosts vehicle capacity to 16,000 vehicles per hour per direction and slashes travel time by 61%, cutting it from 9.7 minutes to just 3.8 minutes.
Advanced tech, including AI-driven drones and time-lapse imaging, doubled onsite monitoring, sped up field surveys by 60% and improved oversight efficiency by 40%. This infrastructure upgrade significantly enhances connectivity across key traffic corridors and supports mobility across rapidly growing urban areas, reflecting a commitment to data-driven transport solutions.
Chevrolet and GMC Truck Mania in GCC Brings Celebrations and Limited-Time Offers
Continuing regional automotive highlights, the GCC welcomed the Chevrolet and GMC Truck Mania 2025, from August 13 to September 13. The event celebrated an 18% year-on-year surge in truck sales, the best first half since 2017 and showcased models like the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Canyon AT4X and all-electric Hummer EV SUT.
More than a sales campaign, the event reflected shifting demographics: female pickup truck ownership has more than doubled in three years, reaching 9% across the GCC, while younger drivers now account for up to 35% of customers. Pickup trucks are increasingly viewed as lifestyle icons blending heritage, style and capability.
Rolls-Royce Celebrates 100 Years of the Phantom
Marking a century of luxury, Rolls-Royce is celebrating 100 years of the Phantom, which debuted in 1925 as the successor to the iconic Silver Ghost. Across eight generations, the model has introduced innovations from the Phantom III’s V12 to the Phantom VIII’s bespoke ‘Gallery’ dashboard.
Beyond performance, the Phantom’s legacy lies in its craftsmanship, with every car a personalised masterpiece. In 2025, global showcases, including Pebble Beach, will honour the Phantom’s enduring status as a symbol of elegance, prestige and innovation.
Integrated Transport Centre Issues Amendments to Road Toll Executive Regulations In Abu Dhabi
On 15 August 2025, Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, announced updates to the DARB road-toll regulations to improve traffic flow during peak times. Starting Monday, 1 September 2025, the evening toll window will be adjusted to 3:00 PM-7:00 PM, while the morning window remains 7:00 AM-9:00 AM, Monday through Saturday.
Tolls remain waived on Sundays and public holidays. Daily and monthly toll caps, previously AED 16 per day and AED 200/150/100 per month, are being removed. The flat AED 4 fee per toll gate crossing persists, with existing exemptions for eligible groups maintained. Q Mobility (an ADQ subsidiary) will manage the system.
ITC Enhances Readiness for the New Academic Year in Abu Dhabi
ITC announced that it has finalised its preparations for the new school year, focusing on two main pillars: road safety awareness and infrastructure enhancement around schools. Collaborating with strategic partners, schools and Abu Dhabi Police, ITC launched interactive awareness campaigns reaching over 900 students, with plans to expand to more schools.
It conducted studies and designs across 60+ schools to improve traffic flow and increase parking capacity. Safety measures include regular bus inspections, training workshops and deploying on-site inspection teams. The Salama app continues to evolve, supporting 222 operators, 9,425 buses, 9,379 drivers, 11,136 supervisors, 690 schools, 213,424 students and over 81,800 parent app downloads.
‘Accident Damage Assessment’ Service by Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA)
The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) introduced its swift and user-friendly ‘Accident Damage Assessment’ service. Designed for motorists whose collisions affect public infrastructure, the service allows quick submissions of damage reports, streamlining repair coordination and enhancing road safety.
The Roads Maintenance Department handles this initiative, which requires an official letter from the police and an accident map for processing. Requests are processed within 7 working days and compensation is based on SRTA’s internal valuation database. Accessible both via the service portal at SRTA’s head office and the official website, this initiative promotes accountability and efficient public infrastructure management.
Safe School Transport Initiative by SRTA
The SRTA recently partnered with the Sharjah Police General Command to launch its ‘Safe School Transport’ initiative, fostering enhanced road safety for students during their school commutes.
The collaboration included the exchange of commemorative shields and an official ceremony honouring key partners. This initiative underscores the SRTA’s commitment to strategic alliances and collective efforts to create a safer school transport environment for the community.
Road Closure Between Mleiha Street and Sharjah Ring Road
The SRTA temporarily closed the road segment linking Mleiha Street and Sharjah Ring Road, near University Bridge, part of the Etihad Rail Project Phase Two. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes and adhere strictly to traffic safety signage to navigate the changes effectively.
This essential detour aims to support the development of the UAE’s national rail infrastructure while ensuring public safety amid ongoing construction.
Construction of Main Roads in Al Sajja Industrial Area S
The SRTA completed a major infrastructure project in the Al Sajaa Industrial Area S. The initiative involved constructing four new single-lane roads totalling 4,676 metres, directly connecting the industrial zone to the main dual carriageway via Interchange 8 on Al Dhaid Road.
This project enhances traffic efficiency, supports industrial and commercial operations and aligns with SRTA’s broader vision of a sustainable and resilient road network for Sharjah.
Al Bataiha Area Project for New Entrance to Industrial Zone
The SRTA unveiled the Al Bataiha Area Project, a major infrastructure initiative to enhance access and mobility. The project introduced a new entrance to the industrial zone from the main road, complete with dedicated acceleration and deceleration lanes.
It encompasses 5,820 metres of single-carriageway roads in the industrial sector, 720 metres in the commercial area and 900 metres of dual carriageways. A central roundabout was also constructed to ease traffic flow, bringing the total road length to 7,440 metres, all aimed at supporting urban growth and fostering economic activity in the region.
New Car Launches in August 2025
The UAE vehicle market trends from August 2025 marked an important milestone with the launch of the Chevrolet Captiva in both EV and PHEV versions.
Chevrolet Captiva EV and PHEV
Chevrolet has introduced the 2025 Captiva EV and PHEV in the UAE, expanding the popular SUV’s lineup to include petrol, all-electric and plug-in hybrid options. The Captiva EV delivers 201 hp with a 415 km range, while the PHEV offers a 1,000 km combined range. Both feature bold new styling, premium interiors and trims with advanced infotainment and safety technologies.
Designed for regional driving conditions, the models also have extensive warranty coverage, including eight years for EV batteries. With more powertrain choices and modern upgrades, the Captiva strengthens its appeal as a practical family SUV in the UAE.
FAQs
How did Dubai’s taxi sector perform in H1 2025 as per the UAE car market updates from August 2025?
The sector recorded 59.5 million trips, a 7% rise from 2024, with Hala Taxi’s market share growing to 41.3%.
What is the Tadreeb platform introduced by RTA?
Tadreeb is an AI-powered driver training platform that connects 27 institutes and manages 250,000 learners yearly with digital assessments and paperless processes.
What infrastructure projects were launched near Dubai International Airport?
RTA awarded a project to widen the Terminal 1 bridge, which will increase vehicle capacity by 33% and ease airport congestion.
That was all about the UAE automobile industry news from August 2025. This month showcased significant progress in the UAE auto sector, with infrastructure, mobility, safety and sustainable transport improvements. From digital platforms to vehicle launches and major road upgrades, these developments demonstrate the UAE’s drive toward smart, efficient and future-ready automotive solutions.
Additionally, if you’re looking for an upgrade, explore these new cars for sale in the UAE, featuring models that cater to every budget.
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