The UAE’s automotive and mobility sectors continued to make progress in November 2025, reflecting the country’s focus on innovation, safety and sustainable transport. From autonomous mobility initiatives to preparations for National Day celebrations, the month was marked by significant developments, reflecting on the UAE’s evolving automotive landscape.
UAE Auto Industry Updates From November 2025
The UAE autos sector news from November 2025 includes key developments and initiatives shaping the nation’s automotive landscape, such as:
Salik Reports AED 2.28 Billion Revenue in First Nine Months of 2025
Salik, Dubai’s toll gate operator, reported AED 2.28 billion in revenue during the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 38.6% year-on-year increase. The strong performance was supported by the addition of two new gates in November 2024, the rollout of variable pricing in January 2025 and favourable market conditions.
Chargeable trips in Salik’s core tolling operations reached 470.5 million during the period, with 152.2 million recorded in the third quarter alone.
Eid Al Etihad Service Hours Announced by RTA
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the operating hours and services for the 54th Eid Al Etihad holiday on 1st and 2nd December 2025. Key updates include closures for Customer Happiness Centres (except Smart Centres), free public parking (except Al Khail Gate multi-storey) and adjusted schedules for Dubai Metro, Tram, buses and marine transport. Residents and visitors can also check these RTA bus route updates for National Day to plan their journeys during the holiday.
Traditional 40ft Rowing Race Held in Abu Dhabi for Eid Al Etihad
In celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority will host the Eid Al Etihad Traditional 40ft Rowing Race on 3 December 2025.
The competition features four rounds representing the UAE flag, with 68 boats and 1,156 sailors racing over a three-nautical-mile course from Reem Island, past the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum, finishing opposite Louvre Abu Dhabi. The prize pool exceeds AED 2.4 million, with winners receiving cash awards and boat replicas.
New Year’s Eve 2026 Celebrations Set Aboard Dubai’s Marine Transport
Another UAE automotive sector news from November 2025 is that RTA will offer special marine transport services for New Year’s Eve 2026 on Wednesday, 31st December 2025. The service details of the marine transport during New Year’s Eve celebrations are as follows:
- Dubai Ferry: Departs from Dubai Marina, Al Ghubaiba and Bluewaters between 10:00–10:30 pm; trips end at 1:30 am. Fares: AED 350 (Silver) / AED 525 (Gold), with 50% off for children 2–10 years; under-2s free.
- Water Taxi: Departs from Marina Mall; full-boat booking for 20 passengers priced at AED 3,750, including a wheelchair space.
- Abras: Operate from Al Jaddaf, Al Fahidi, Al Ghubaiba and Marina Mall; single-ticket fare AED 150, under-2s free.
The Architectural Plan of the Dubai Road Project has been approved
The architectural plan of Dubai’s Road Project has been approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. A framework designed to unify and enhance the visual character of the emirate’s road network. Aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the initiative aims to create a cohesive, sustainable and aesthetically distinctive urban environment.
During the review, His Highness also examined progress on key projects, including the AED1.3 billion Trade Centre Roundabout upgrade, the Al Mustaqbal Street upgrades and the Dubai Tunnels initiative. These developments are set to significantly enhance mobility across the city, with some upgrades expected to reduce travel times by up to 75%.
High Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Witnesses Launch of Dubai Auto Market Development Project
The Dubai Auto Market Development Project, launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will transform Dubai into a global automotive hub. Spanning 22 million sq. ft, it will feature over 1,500 showrooms, warehouses, workshops and retail spaces, accommodating 800,000+ vehicles annually. Developed with DP World, the project supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and strengthens its role in regional and global automotive trade.
Dubai Metro Boosts Efficiency by Linking Operations and Engineering Control Centres
RTA has integrated the Dubai Metro’s Operations Control Centre (OCC) and Engineering Control Centre (ECC). The upgrade has cut fault response times by up to 80%, enhanced service recovery and enabled real-time monitoring through unified dashboards.
The integration also strengthens safety, faster decision-making and coordination with the Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3).
10% of Dubai Metro Blue Line Construction Completed
RTA has completed 10% of the Dubai Metro Blue Line construction, a 30 km project with 14 stations, just five months after the June 2025 groundbreaking. Work involves 500+ engineers and 3,000 workers across 12 sites, with 30% completion expected by the end of 2026 and opening targeted for 9 September 2029.
Nol Pay App Upgraded for a Smoother and More Efficient User Experience
RTA has launched an upgraded nol Pay app with a modern design and enhanced features, offering a smoother and more convenient user experience. The update aligns with RTA’s digital ecosystem and Dubai’s Services 360 policy, supporting seamless, efficient public transport payments and advancing the Zero Bureaucracy Programme.
Key features include:
- Managing and recharging family nol cards, including children’s cards.
- Scheduling automatic top-ups and receiving proactive reminders.
- Instant balance checks, top-ups and travel pass purchases.
- Additional services such as mobile phone top-ups.
- Support for digital nol cards on Samsung and Huawei devices for tap-and-go payments.
First Crewed Electric Aerial Taxi Flight Successfully Completed in Dubai
RTA, in collaboration with Joby Aviation, completed the first crewed eVTOL (electric aerial taxi) flight between Margham and Al Maktoum International Airport during the Dubai Airshow 2025. This marks a global first for a crewed eVTOL flight between two separate locations in the UAE.
Skyports Infrastructure is constructing the first vertiport near Dubai International Airport, with three more vertiports planned in partnership with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal and Wasl Asset Management Group. These facilities will support the commercial launch of aerial taxi services in 2026.
The Joby air taxi carries four passengers and a pilot, operates electrically with zero emissions, has a range of 160 km, a top speed of 320 km/h and low noise levels. The service will connect key destinations such as DXB, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Dubai Mall, integrating with existing public transport systems.
Bentley Bentayga Azure Joins Dubai Police Car Fleet
Dubai Police has expanded its luxury patrol fleet with the addition of the Bentley Bentayga Azure. The model is equipped with a high-power engine producing 542 hp and offering a fuel consumption rate of 12.1 l/100 km, with emissions of 296 g/km.
New 15 km Mountain Bike Trail Announced in Hatta
The Supreme Committee for Development of Hatta, chaired by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, has completed a series of key projects under the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan. Key highlights include a new 15-km mountain biking trail, a 10-km hiking trail and expansion of cycling tracks.
RTA Marks UAE Flag Day Celebrations
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority celebrated UAE Flag Day on 3rd November with a ceremony at its headquarters. To mark the day, RTA adorned major Dubai landmarks with 750 UAE flags, including Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Water Canal, Business Bay Crossing, Al Maktoum Bridge, Tripoli Street and Infinity Bridge.
Truck-Movement Restrictions Expanded to Improve Road Safety in Dubai
RTA and Dubai Police reported improved traffic flow and road safety after implementing evening truck restrictions on Emirates Road from Al Awir to Sharjah (5:30–8:00 pm) in January 2025.
- Traffic incidents dropped from 75 in 2024 to 37 in 2025.
- Truck compliance improved by 7.7% on Emirates Road and 5% on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
- Average vehicle speeds increased by 26 km/h on Emirates Road and 19 km/h on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
- Traffic permits issued during restriction hours fell 97%.
Awareness Campaign Launched for Recreational Motorcycle Rental Outlets
Dubai’s RTA conducted a field awareness campaign across 32 recreational off-road motorcycle rental outlets in Al Awir to enhance safety and ensure compliance with Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2017.
Operators received bilingual guidelines covering permit requirements, safety rules and regulatory obligations. RTA stressed the importance of proper registration, age limits, safe motorcycle use and having safety equipment on site, especially as winter camps see higher visitor activity.
Abu Dhabi Becomes World’s First City to Classify Modular Vehicles as a Road Category
The Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility) has officially recognised modular smart vehicles as a new road vehicle category, announced at DRIFTx 2025 during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week. These reconfigurable, AI-enabled vehicles can link or detach based on passenger demand, operating autonomously or under supervision to improve efficiency, reduce congestion and lower emissions.
Abu Dhabi is the first city globally to classify such vehicles independently. Developed by NexT, pilot deployments are planned on Yas Island in collaboration with Emirates Driving Company, Liftango and Paradigma Innovation Hub.
Abu Dhabi Hosts the Fifth Al Sila Marine Festival 2025
The 5th Al Sila Marine Festival, held from 7–16 November 2025 at Al Sila Waterfront, Al Dhafra Region, successfully celebrated the UAE’s maritime heritage. The festival featured marine and land sports competitions—including traditional rowing and dhow races, sailing, falconry and beach sports—alongside cultural showcases, a heritage souq and local cuisine. The event attracted visitors, boosted tourism and highlighted Al Dhafra as a growing destination for culture, sports and investment.
AD Mobility Launches Pilot Programme for Autonomous Delivery Services
The AD Mobility has launched a pilot project for autonomous e-commerce delivery vehicles, in collaboration with Noon and AutoGo (K2), under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC). The initiative integrates self-driving vehicles into Noon’s logistics network to deliver orders efficiently to mini-fulfilment centres, reducing congestion and emissions while enhancing customer experience.
The project aligns with Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility strategy, aiming for 25% of trips to be completed via smart transport by 2040.
Abu Dhabi Becomes First City in the Region to Begin Commercial Use of Fully Autonomous Vehicles
Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre has launched commercial operations for fully driverless Level 4 autonomous patrol vehicles, a first in the MENA region, during DRIFTx 2025. The first permits were issued to WeRide with Uber and Tawasul and to AutoGo–K2 with ApolloGo–Baidu, following extensive real-world testing.
WeRide’s Robotaxis cover 50% of Abu Dhabi’s core area, completing over 800,000 km in testing, while AutoGo–K2 achieved full unmanned operations on Yas Island after 100,000 km of trials.
FAQs
How are smart speed limiters for taxis and limousines in Ajman expected to impact road safety and regulatory compliance?
The rollout of smart speed limiters is expected to improve road safety by preventing overspeeding and reducing accident risks. It also ensures better compliance with transport regulations, enabling authorities to monitor fleet operations more effectively and promote responsible driving practices.
What digital and AI innovations are transforming the UAE automotive dealership and service sectors?
AI-powered customer insights, predictive maintenance, online bookings, virtual showrooms and automated service management improve efficiency, enhance customer experience and enable data-driven decision-making.
What is the Dubai Auto Market Development Project and why is it important?
Launching over 1,500 showrooms, workshops and warehouses, the Dubai Auto Market Development Project will accommodate 800,000+ vehicles annually, making Dubai a global automotive hub and strengthening its regional trade role.
These were the key highlights of the UAE autos sector news from November 2025. With major strides in infrastructure, road safety and automotive market development.
Personal mobility solutions have also come a long way. For instance, several new cars for sale in the UAE come equipped with cutting-edge tech and AI-driven features. The modern advancements focus on improving convenience and safety.
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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