Dubai to roll out new traffic signal system that will ease congestion at key intersections
RTA is committed to implementing cutting-edge smart technologies and global best practices in traffic intersection management. These efforts align with Dubai's strategy to become a smart and sustainable city; by improving road network efficiency and optimising traffic movement, RTA continues reinforcing Dubai's position as a leader in intelligent mobility solutions.
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, stated, "This project aligns with RTA's vision as the world leader in seamless and sustainable mobility by improving journey time and reducing traffic congestion at intersections by 10 per cent to 20 per cent. It aims to enhance the travel experience for all road users, including motorists, public transport passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, while also prioritising emergency vehicles and public transport."
Reflecting on the capabilities of the system, Al Banna said, "The upgraded traffic signal system offers several advanced features, including predictive traffic analysis to dynamically optimise signal timings in anticipation of expected traffic movements, thereby enhancing overall traffic network efficiency. It also incorporates digital twin technology, allowing signal adjustments to be simulated and their impact assessed before actual implementation, while also enabling priority-based traffic management. Additionally, the system leverages data from future road sensors to further refine signal timings with greater efficiency."
"The UTC-UX Fusion system dynamically adapts to real-time traffic changes by analysing data and making intelligent decisions to optimise signal timings. It also supports future technologies and initiatives, such as Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS/V2X), which facilitate communication between smart vehicles and traffic signals to enhance traffic flow efficiency. This will play a key role in reducing journey times, improving traffic fluidity, and enhancing the overall mobility experience across Dubai," concluded Al Banna.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
10 hours ago
- What's On
Driving in Dubai: how to get the traffic light to turn green
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reminds drivers that while driving in Dubai, moving your car closer to the white stop line can help trigger the traffic signal sensors and make the light turn green faster. Why moving forward matters Dubai is rolling out AI-powered traffic signals across the city. These smart systems detect vehicles and pedestrians in real time. If you stop too far back, the sensors might not notice your car, leading to longer red lights. By moving slightly closer, you're letting the system know you're ready to go. It's a small step that can save you time and reduce honking from drivers behind you. How AI controls traffic in Dubai The UTC-UX Fusion system is Dubai's latest AI-powered traffic management technology, designed to make journeys smoother and safer. It uses a mix of smart sensors, real-time data, and advanced AI to control traffic signals more efficiently than traditional systems. Here's what each feature does: Predictive traffic analysis: the system looks at traffic patterns and predicts how many vehicles are coming and in which direction. By forecasting vehicle movement, it can adjust green and red light durations before congestion builds up. This means fewer long waits at intersections. Digital twin technology: think of this as a virtual copy of Dubai's road network. The RTA can test signal changes in this virtual environment before applying them to the real roads. This helps prevent mistakes, fine-tune timings, and plan for new traffic scenarios safely. Priority-based traffic management: the system can give priority to certain types of traffic when needed. For example, emergency vehicles, buses, or freight trucks can get longer green lights to keep important traffic moving smoothly. Sensor-based data: sensors embedded in the roads constantly collect information about vehicles, speed, and traffic density. The AI uses this data to make small, continuous adjustments to traffic lights, keeping traffic flowing efficiently. These AI-powered signals could reduce waiting times by up to 20%, especially at busy junctions during peak hours, meaning less time stuck at red lights and smoother journeys for drivers and pedestrians alike. Smart pedestrian signals Pedestrians aren't left out of Dubai's traffic tech. In 2023, the RTA expanded Smart Pedestrian Signals across the city. These lights use ground-based optical sensors to detect people: Before they step onto the crossing While they're walking across The system can adjust crossing times depending on a person's pace, making streets safer for: The elderly People of determination Those with prams or heavy luggage When will it be everywhere These AI-powered signals are already active in many areas, with a full city rollout expected by the first half of 2026. Next time you're at a red light in Dubai, remember: a small move forward could mean a quicker green light and a smoother journey for everyone. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Flying taxi services closer as Archer, Joby complete first and longest piloted flights
Flying taxi services in the UAE have moved a step closer to reality, as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation successfully completed their first and longest piloted flights. Joby Aviation signed a definitive agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in February 2024 to launch air taxi services in Dubai by 2026. Meanwhile, Archer Aviation has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to introduce flying taxi services in Abu Dhabi. Both companies are expected to roll out their services later this year or next year. On Monday, Archer announced that its Midnight aircraft successfully completed its longest piloted flight to date, covering approximately 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds exceeding 126mph. The flight took place at Archer's flight test facility in Salinas, California. Test flights in the preceding week reached speeds of nearly 150mph over a variety of patterns. This latest achievement advances toward certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US and near-term commercialisation in the UAE. 'Crossing the 50-mile mark at speed is another clear step toward commercialisation that shows the maturity of our programme,' said Adam Goldstein, Archer's founder and CEO. Midnight flight test pilots will continue to expand speed and duration, and test mission profiles that map to early commercial operations in the UAE. US-based Archer Aviation last week said it would expand on its in-country operations in the UAE, including pilot training, maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) setup and flight testing to gather additional data for certification and commercialisation plans in the UAE and the US over the coming quarters. Joby's successful piloted flight Meanwhile, Joby Aviation said it successfully completed its first piloted flight between two US airports in controlled airspace. Set to launch its commercial flying taxi service in Dubai in the first half of 2026, Joby's piloted flight lasted approximately 12 minutes over 10 nautical miles. It included five minutes in a holding pattern for air traffic spacing, reflecting the progress the electric air taxi firm is making toward securing approval from the US regulator to launch commercial service. In February 2024, Joby Aviation signed a definitive agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in 2026. RTA and Joby also partnered with Skyports for the construction of vertiports. Joby's piloted flight follows a previous successful test flight at its facility at the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham, along the Dubai–Al Ain Road, in June 2025. The aircraft completed several loops over the facility and surrounding desert. The US company operated the flight in airspace controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), between Marina (OAR) and Monterey (MRY) airports in California. 'Successfully flying from Marina to Monterey showcased operations of our aircraft integrated into the broader transportation network and further validated its performance to ensure we're prepared for service on day one,' said Didier Papadopoulos, president of aircraft development and manufacturing at Joby. 'For years, our flight testing has validated our aircraft's capabilities, and we've done this across a wide range of environmental conditions.' Joby recently began the final assembly of its first aircraft for Type Inspection Authorisation (TIA) flight testing – one of the last major steps in FAA certification. The company plans to begin flight testing with FAA pilots early next year. Following certification, Joby aims to launch commercial service in the US, starting in Los Angeles and New York City.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: RTA issues reminder on rules for school buses ahead of new academic year
Just one week ahead of the new academic year, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has called on all school bus operators in the emirate to be fully prepared. The authority stressed that it is important for operators to strictly comply with all health and safety requirements to ensure a secure and successful learning environment. School bus operators and administrations are required to maintain safety and provide a comfortable environment for students, supervisors and drivers alike. RTA closely and continuously monitors schools and operators to ensure they fulfill safety requirements. This includes inspections of school buses and operators. The authority listed the requirements and expectations of school bus operators, drivers and bus attendants: School transport operators must instruct their drivers to strictly comply with traffic regulations, particularly on roads and in areas surrounding schools. Drivers must not obstruct the flow of other vehicles, in order to reduce congestion and ensure smooth traffic movement. School transport operators must provide intensive training programmes for drivers and bus attendants, focusing on safe and professional ways of dealing with students. This training is done under RTA's supervision. Operators must equip buses with essential safety features and measures. Operators must maintain regular communication with parents to reassure them of their children's safety during daily commutes. Drivers must ensure the safety of the students by following safe driving practices. Bus attendants must ensure that students are escorted to the nearest point to their homes when they are dropped off. RTA also reminded students that they are required to follow the instructions of bus attendants when boarding and alighting the school bus. Accident-free day Earlier, the Ministry of Interior declared August 25, 2025 — the start of the new academic year— as 'A Day Without Accidents'. In order to incentivise motorists, the ministry has put into place a reward system for those who do not violate any traffic laws on this day. If motorists submit a pledge on the official MOI website, and register no violations recorded on August 25, four black points will be deducted from their driving licences. The deduction will happen electronically by September 15, 2025, eliminating the need to visit service centres. Since the announcements, motorists have been rushing to sign up for the pledge, taking it as a welcome relief and a good reminder to be more careful about following traffic rules.
