UAE’s automotive sector news from January 2026 highlights significant momentum in the industry, driven by infrastructure upgrades, strategic partnerships and new transport initiatives. These developments reflect the Emirates’ ongoing commitment to enhancing mobility and advancing transport systems. From the launch of state-of-the-art EV hubs to expanded public transit networks, the UAE is steadily shaping a smarter, greener, and more connected future for drivers and commuters alike.
UAE Auto Industry Updates January 2026
The following are the automotive sector developments in the UAE from January 2026:
Dubai RTA Records 13% Increase in Passenger Ridership on New Year’s Eve 2026
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) transported over 2.8 million passengers during New Year’s Eve 2026. It marked a 13% increase from 2.5 million in 2025, supported by an integrated traffic and operational plan coordinated by the authorities. Total ridership reached 2.84M passengers, led by 1.25M on the Dubai Metro, 661k by taxis, 503k on public and on-demand buses, 286k via e-hailing services, 77k on marine transport, 58k on the Dubai Tram and 1.5K using shared mobility options.
Dubai Expands EV Green Charger Network to 1,860+ Charging Points
Dubai has expanded its EV Green Charger network to more than 1,860 charging points, supporting over 23,600 registered users. Since 2014, the initiative has delivered 55,200 MWh of electricity, enough to power more than 276 million kilometres of electric vehicle travel.
Dubai Taxi Lost and Found Returns AED 2 Million in Cash, Thousands of Devices
RTA’s Lost and Found Team processed 104,162 reports of items lost in taxis during 2025, returning cash (over AED 2 million), 35,000 electronic devices, 3,000 passports/documents and other valuables. Reports were managed via Call Centre (56%), smart apps (10.8%) and virtual agent Mahboub (30.8%), with most cases resolved within two hours.
Salik E-Wallet to Be Integrated into Dubai Airport Parking System
Dubai International Airport is integrating the Salik e-wallet into its parking system across Terminals 1, 2, 3 and the Cargo Mega Terminal, covering 7,400 spaces. Launched on 22 January 2026 under a 10-year agreement, the system allows automatic digital payments, eliminating queues, improving traffic flow and supporting Dubai’s smart city goals. Motorists only need an active Salik account and a linked vehicle to use the service.
RTA and Baidu Launch Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre at Dubai Science Park
Dubai’s RTA and Baidu inaugurated Apollo Go’s Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre at Dubai Science Park, the company’s first facility outside China. The 2,000 m² centre manages vehicle operations, maintenance, charging, software updates, training and simulations, supporting Dubai’s first fully driverless trials on public roads without a safety driver.
New Pilot Program Aims to Optimise Student Transport and Reduce Traffic Congestion
A new pilot initiative on school transport pooling will roll out in Q1 2026 with Yango Group and Urban Express Transport, using shared buses across school zones to reduce congestion and improve transport efficiency.
Dubai Receives 250 New Low-Carbon Buses, Including 40 Electric Units
Dubai received 250 new low-carbon emission buses under a 735-bus contract, including 40 electric buses with a 280 km range, advanced safety systems and 70-passenger capacity. The fleet supports the Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
Dubai Facilitates Licence Replacement for 58,082 Drivers From Around the World
In 2025, Dubai replaced 58,082 foreign driving licences from 57 countries. The service is available online or at RTA Customer Happiness Centres, requiring an eye test, original licence, application submission and fee payment.
New RTA Service Enables Installation of Parking Shades While Preserving Safety
RTA has launched a permit for installing parking shades in designated residential areas via a unified digital portal. Shades must follow approved design standards, not obstruct pedestrians, traffic signs or utilities and remain removable for maintenance or projects.
Dubai Metro and Tram Launch Campaign to Enhance Passenger Experience and Etiquette
A new Safety and Public Transport Etiquette Campaign has been launched across Dubai Metro and Tram networks, in collaboration with Keolis-MHI, to enhance passenger safety, comfort and courteous behaviour. The initiative emphasises priority seating, clear doorways, respecting fellow commuters and smooth passenger flow.
Dubai 10X Initiative Launches Three Future-Focused Projects
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation has approved the launch of three new projects under the Dubai 10X Initiative. The approved initiatives include the 20-Minute City, designed to improve access to essential services through sustainable mobility
14th Edition of Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport Opens for Entries
The 14th Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport has opened registrations. The award is structured into four categories, Elite, Sustainability, Inclusivity and Innovation, and will present a total of 12 awards to recognise best practices, novel solutions and student contributions.
Dubai’s RTA Advances Major Transport and Infrastructure Projects Across the City
RTA continues to enhance mobility, connectivity and urban infrastructure through a series of major projects across the emirate. Key developments include:
Road and Bridge Projects
Major road and bridge projects are underway to boost capacity and cut travel times across Dubai.
- Oud Metha and Al Asayel Roads: 60% complete, covering around 14 km of new and widened roads and 4.3 km of bridges and tunnels. Upgrades will increase Oud Metha Road capacity from 10,400 to 15,600 vehicles per hour and improve key intersections along Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Wasl Club, and Al Khail Road.
- Hessa Street Development (Phase I): 90% complete, with 4.5 km opened from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Zayed Road. Capacity doubled to 16,000 vehicles per hour, including upgraded bridges, intersections, and 13.5 km of cycling and e-scooter tracks. Final works expected by Q2 2026.
- Dubai Harbour Bridge: 65% complete, 1.5 km long with two lanes each way, supporting 6,000 vehicles per hour and reducing travel time from 12 to 3 minutes. Completion expected Q3 2026.
- Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 Bridge: Expanded from 3 to 4 lanes, increasing capacity by 33 percent to improve airport traffic flow.
- Al Warqa’a 1 Street: 7 km road expansion, four roundabouts converted to smart signalised intersections, improving traffic flow by 30 per cent. Includes stormwater drainage, street lighting, parking, and 41,000 m² of pedestrian pathways.
Public Transport Enhancements
Dubai is enhancing its public transport network with new bus routes and upgraded metro facilities to improve capacity and commuter experience.
- Bus Network Expansion: Four new bus routes, 88A/B and 93A/B, have been launched, alongside upgrades to more than 70 existing routes, including timetable adjustments, new stops, route extensions, and some cancellations.
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station Expansion: In partnership with Emaar, the station area has been increased from 6,700 to 8,500 square meters, raising capacity by 65 per cent to 220,000 passengers per day and improving pedestrian and commercial facilities.
Specialised Parking and Mobility Facilities
New specialised parking and mobility facilities are being developed to improve traffic flow, safety and connectivity across key Dubai zones.
- Al Ruwayyah Yard: Provides 335 dedicated spaces for caravans, boats, trailers and food vending vehicles, helping improve traffic flow, road safety and support Dubai’s sustainable urban goals.
- Al Quoz Creative Zone: Features a 45-meter pedestrian and cycling bridge, 4 km of mobility routes, and three mobility hubs connecting the zone to nearby Metro and bus stations.
Rapid Traffic Improvements
Dubai continues to accelerate traffic efficiency with rapid improvements across roads, residential areas and school zones.
- In 2025, 67 rapid improvements were completed across major roads, residential areas and school zones, boosting road capacity by up to 33% and reducing journey times by up to 45%. Over 45 additional improvements are planned for 2026.
ADNOC Launches 60-Charger EV Megahub on E11, Making Abu Dhabi–Dubai Commutes Stress-Free
ADNOC Distribution opened the UAE’s largest superfast EV charging hub at Saih Shuaib on the E11 highway, with 60 high‑speed chargers that can charge most EVs from 0‑80% in about 20 minutes. It is the sixth-largest such hub in the world.
Women’s Desert Race Opens Desert Cycling Weekend at Al Salam Championship
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the Women’s Desert Race at the 10th Al Salam Cycling Championship in Al Marmoom Reserve. Noura Al Ghafli (MyWhoosh Team) won the Emirati category, while Nina Kessler (Omniyat Shabab Al Ahli) claimed the open category title. The 20 km race is part of the Championship’s tenth season, with AED 455,000 in total prize money. The Men’s Desert Race follows on Sunday, featuring a 52 km course with special challenges.
Registration Open for Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026
The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge 2026 takes place on 15 February 2026 at Expo City Dubai, featuring a 92 km Main Event (UCI Gran Fondo qualifier), a 30–35 km Family Fun Ride and Junior Rides from 1.6–9 km for ages 2–12.
Registration is online at cyclechallenge.ae until 16 February, with timing chips, water points and full safety measures provided. Riders must use their own bikes, wear helmets and follow proper etiquette. Prep rides (Aster BIG 5) run from September 2025 to January 2026, helping cyclists train for the main event while ensuring a safe, family-friendly and festival-like cycling experience.
Ajman Transport Delegation Visits China to Advance Smart Mobility Cooperation
Ajman Transport Authority visited China to explore smart transport solutions and discuss technical cooperation, led by Director General H.E. Omar Mohammed Lootah. The delegation toured Dahua Technology’s headquarters and factory, reviewing innovations in smart surveillance, vehicle tracking, safety monitoring, smart payments and fleet management. Discussions focused on adopting global best practices and potential collaboration to enhance taxi and public transport systems, supporting Ajman’s digital transformation and sustainable mobility goals.
Ajman Public Transport Records Strong Growth in 2025 with 14.2 Million Trips Across Bus, Taxi and Marine Services
Ajman Transport Authority reported strong growth in public transport usage during 2025, with more than 14.2 million trips recorded, marking a 7.23 percent increase year on year. Taxi services accounted for 14 million trips, while public buses carried 3.9 million passengers across 11 internal and external routes, reflecting growing confidence in mass transit. Marine transport also remained in demand, with the Ajman Abra service serving 55,872 passengers through four key stations.
Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority Advances Road Development and Maintenance Works
Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority continues to enhance the emirate’s road infrastructure through a series of development, maintenance and temporary traffic management works aimed at improving safety and traffic flow.
- Al Hamriyah Road Projects: Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority completed the first phase of road development in Al Hamriyah, covering more than 10 km. The works included new internal roads in Al Hamriyah East and West, along with improved entry and exit points connecting to main roads, enhancing traffic flow and safety.
- Khorfakkan Road Maintenance: Maintenance works were completed on Abu Ubaidah bin Al Jarrah Street in Khorfakkan, improving road safety and ensuring smoother traffic movement in line with approved technical standards.
Temporary Road Closures:
Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has announced several temporary and partial road closures across the emirate.
- A temporary closure was implemented on Khorfakkan Road at Al Rugh Tunnel towards Sharjah from 6 to 11 January 2026 for maintenance and development works.
- The road separating Al Jurrainah 1 and Al Qarain 1 was temporarily closed from 9 to 11 January 2026 for maintenance and capacity upgrades.
- A partial closure on the road leading to University City Hall is in place from 20 January to 1 March 2026 to support Sharjah Light Festival works.
Sharjah Introduces Vehicle Permit Service for Out-of-Emirate Transport Companies
Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority now offers a Vehicle Permit Card service for transport companies licensed outside the emirate, enabling their vehicles to operate passenger services in Sharjah efficiently and in compliance with regulations.
Sharjah Diverts Truck Traffic from Al Rahmaniyah Tunnel to Improve Road Safety
Truck movement through the Al Rahmaniyah entrance and tunnel will be prohibited as part of Sharjah’s traffic management measures. The measure, supported by new warning and guidance signage, aims to reduce congestion, enhance traffic flow and improve road safety across the emirate.
New Car Launches in January 2026
The UAE vehicle market in January 2026 marked a key milestone with the launch of the iCaur V27.
iCAUR V27
iCAUR has launched the V27 SUV in the UAE, marking the brand’s Middle East debut. The range-extended SUV pairs a 1.5‑litre turbo petrol engine with electric motors for a combined 449 hp, offering over 900 km of total range, including 150 km of zero-emissions electric driving.
FAQs
What role does sustainable mobility play in shaping the automotive aftermarket in the UAE?
Sustainable mobility is driving the UAE automotive aftermarket to adopt eco-friendly products, electric vehicle services and green technologies to meet evolving consumer and regulatory demands.
What digital and AI innovations are transforming the UAE automotive dealership and service sectors?
Digital and AI are transforming UAE dealerships with smart customer management, predictive maintenance, virtual showrooms and data-driven insights.
These are the latest car market news in the UAE for January 2026, showcasing major infrastructure projects, sustainable mobility initiatives and innovative transport solutions. From the launch of the UAE’s largest EV Megahub to expanded public transport, smart parking and family-friendly cycling events, the Emirates continues to lead in mobility and urban development.
As the UAE paves the way for smarter and greener transport, there are plenty of new cars for sale in the UAE that can help you contribute to this shift toward sustainable and innovative mobility.
For more industry news, updates on market trends and automotive developments in the UAE, stay tuned to dubizzle’s autos blog.
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