February 2026 marked another eventful month for the UAE’s automotive sector. From new vehicle testing and strategic partnerships to major infrastructure upgrades, the industry continued to evolve throughout the month. Several other notable developments also shaped the UAE’s auto market in February 2026.
Automotive Industry News From February 2026
The latest auto news from February 2026 is as follows:
Change in Public Transport Timings Due to Ramadan 2026
Authorities across the country have rescheduled public transport timings during Ramadan to ensure smoother travel for commuters. From extended routes to additional service hours, the adjustments are designed to accommodate peak travel periods before and after iftar.
Dubai Public Transport, Shared Mobility and Taxis Recorded 802 Million Journeys in 2025
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that approximately 802 million journeys were recorded across public transport, shared mobility services and taxis in 2025. This marks a 7.4% increase from 747.1 million rides in 2024. Average daily ridership rose to 2.2 million passengers, highlighting sustained demand across the network.
Dubai Metro accounted for the largest share at 37%, followed by taxis at 26% and public buses at 25%. Shared mobility services recorded the fastest growth, expanding by 30% year-on-year, increasing their overall share to 9%. Meanwhile, hotel limousine services were used by 23.6 million passengers during the year.
Dubai’s Commercial Transport Sector Grew by 40% in 2025
Similar to Dubai’s public transport network, the commercial transport sector also witnessed significant growth in 2025. The RTA reported over 40% year-on-year growth, with the number of licensed firms rising to 16,917 and total registered vehicles surpassing 500,000, marking a 25% increase. The sector contributed approximately AED 8.4 billion annually to Dubai’s economy, reinforcing the sector’s role as a key driver of economic activity.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Reviewed Progress on the Dubai Loop and Glydways Projects
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the Dubai Loop and Glydways projects at the World Governments Summit 2026. The two innovative initiatives by RTA aim to strengthen Dubai’s public transport ecosystem and enhance first- and last-mile connectivity.
Dubai Ambulance Services Showcased Advanced Emergency Solutions at World Health Expo 2026
Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) showcased its integrated smart ambulance system at World Health Expo 2026. The system highlights innovations aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and improving pre-hospital medical care. DCAS also presented a data-driven ambulance ecosystem that maps the full response journey, using Geographic Information Systems and artificial intelligence.
In 2025, DCAS received more than 279,000 emergency calls through its smart reporting system, with an average response time of around seven minutes. The organisation is working towards a four-minute response target by 2033.
RTA Signed Agreement With Glydways to Launch Automated Transit Network at WGS
At the World Governments Summit, RTA Dubai signed an agreement with Glydways to launch the emirate’s first Automated Transit Network (ATN). The initiative will introduce an autonomous, on-demand electric transport system designed to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity.
The system will operate on dedicated guideways independent of road traffic. The AI-powered vehicles will accommodate four to six passengers and operate at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The ATN is expected to transport more than 20,000 passengers per hour in both directions, while reducing capital costs by up to 90% and operating costs by up to 70%. A proposed 2.8 km pilot route will link National Paints Metro Station to Bluewaters Island.
The Boring Company and RTA Signed an Agreement to Begin the Dubai Loop Tunnel Project
RTA also signed a strategic partnership agreement with The Boring Company for the construction of the Dubai Loop passenger tunnel project. The first phase includes 3.6-metre-diameter tunnels spanning 6.4 km with four stations, linking the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Mall. The project is planned to expand to 22.2 km with 19 stations in later phases, connecting key areas such as the Dubai World Trade Centre and Business Bay.
Abu Dhabi Mobility Oversaw Mena Region’s First Autonomous Logistics Truck Pilot Trial
Abu Dhabi Mobility (formerly the Integrated Transport Centre), with support from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, launched the MENA region’s first pilot operation of autonomous logistics and freight trucks. The pilot runs were conducted on dedicated routes within Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), under approved regulatory and operational standards.
The initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s wider goal to advance a smart and autonomous mobility ecosystem, while contributing to the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.
Abu Dhabi Witnessed Tesla’s First Advanced Self-driving Trials on Public Roads
AD Mobility, with support from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, oversaw Tesla’s first Advanced Self-Driving (Supervised) road trials in the emirate. Conducted under driver supervision, the tests were carried out within a structured evaluation framework to assess real-world performance, operational readiness and safety. The trial is expected to generate the data needed to inform any future expansion of advanced driver-assistance and autonomous mobility solutions in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Unveils Major Bridge Openings and Corridor Enhancements
RTA has delivered a series of major roads and infrastructure upgrades, catering to the growing traffic demand.
A 1,000-metre bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street has opened. The bridge is a part of the World Trade Centre Roundabout project, which includes five bridges in total and is expected to reduce delays at the intersection from 12 minutes to 90 seconds once fully completed.
RTA also inaugurated a 600-metre bridge at the Arabian Ranches–Dubai Studio City junction, increasing capacity by 191% and reducing waiting times by 55%. In addition, the Authority completed Al Rowaiyah Street, a 3.5-km link between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, boosting road capacity by 40% and cutting travel time by 60%.
Alongside these projects, RTA implemented rapid traffic solutions at eight strategic locations across Dubai, including Emirates Road, Umm Amara Street and Sheikh Rashid Street. With measures such as road widening, intersection upgrades and new connectivity links expected to reduce congestion and journey times by 15% to 30%.
FAQs
What were the biggest UAE mobility and transport highlights in February 2026?
February saw major momentum in infrastructure delivery and future mobility. Dubai RTA opened new bridges and road links, while also advancing next-generation transport through agreements for the Dubai Loop tunnel project.
What progress was made on autonomous mobility in Abu Dhabi?
AD Mobility oversaw the region’s first pilot operation of autonomous logistics and freight trucks in KEZAD, and also supervised Tesla’s Advanced Self-Driving (Supervised) road trials.
How did Dubai’s public transport and mobility usage perform in 2025?
RTA reported 802.1 million riders using public transport, shared mobility and taxis in 2025, up 7.4% from 747.1 million in 2024. Dubai Metro accounted for the largest share (37%), while shared mobility grew fastest, rising 30% year-on-year to 72.9 million riders.
These are all the latest auto news from February 2026, highlighting the country’s accelerating shift towards a smarter and more future-ready automotive landscape. From autonomous vehicle trials and automated transit networks to large-scale infrastructure upgrades, the sector is steadily aligning with national goals centred on sustainability, innovation and advanced mobility solutions. To cater to the shifting market, many new cars for sale in the UAE now come equipped with advanced driver-assistance and semi-autonomous features.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn more about used vehicle price movements in the Emirates.
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