Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a Dh1.1 billion investment to replace ageing buses with 637 new eco-friendly units, including 40 advanced electric buses. Deliveries are scheduled across 2025 and 2026, marking one of the largest single bus procurement deals in UAE history.
Agreements Signed at UITP Global Public Transport Summit
The announcement was made at the globally renowned UITP Global Public Transport Summit, where RTA signed four major agreements in the presence of H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA Board of Executive Directors.
The four partner manufacturers are Volvo Buses, MAN, Zhongtong Bus, and Anadolu Isuzu, covering a range of vehicle types including city buses, double-deckers, and articulated buses designed for Dubai's high-capacity corridors.
BYD Electric Bus Trial in Dubai
Alongside the main procurement deal, RTA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. The MOU covers a pilot operation of a BYD electric bus equipped with the latest battery technologies, with the trial specifically designed to run during Dubai's summer peak season — one of the most demanding climatic tests for electric vehicle performance.
Euro 6 Standards and the 2050 Green Fleet Goal
All 637 buses are designed to comply with European Euro 6 low-emission standards. This aligns with RTA's long-term environmental strategy to convert the entire public bus fleet to electric and hydrogen power by 2050, supporting Dubai's broader net-zero carbon ambitions.
Wider Public Transport Improvements
The bus fleet upgrade sits alongside other active RTA initiatives. The authority's bus pooling service — a door-to-door, affordable option — continues to expand across Dubai. RTA is also upgrading road systems at 40 locations across the city during the summer months, taking advantage of reduced traffic during school holidays and travel season to minimise disruption.
Together, these measures advance Dubai's goal of offering world-class, low-carbon commuting options to residents and visitors alike — positioning the city as a regional leader in sustainable urban mobility.
Source: rta.ae | Enquiries: 800 9090
