Latest news with #DubaiRTA
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Flying taxi in Dubai: First vertiport at DXB to be ready in Q1 2026 ahead of rollout
The US-based Joby Aviation, which will launch flying taxi operations in Dubai, said the first vertiport being constructed in Dubai at the Dubai International Airport (DXB) will be completed in the first quarter of next year, ahead of the launch of commercial services in the UAE. 'Our vertiport network development in Dubai, a key strategic pillar for commercial operations, remains on pace. The Dubai International Airport (DXB) vertiport, engineered for concurrent aircraft movements and rapid passenger processing, is critical infrastructure and is on track for completion in Q1 2026,' it said in the second-quarter 2025 report. Joby Aviation partnered with the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports for the construction of the first vertiport in its planned Dubai air taxi network in November 2024. The DXB vertiport is one of four initial locations that will form Joby's network of vertiports for the air taxi service the company plans to launch in the emirate in 2026, with three additional vertiports planned for development in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina. On June 30, Joby successfully conducted the first test flight of the flying taxi at the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham, along the Dubai-Al Ain Road. The aircraft completed several loops over the facility and surrounding desert in the presence of media representatives and senior members of the Joby Aviation team. 'This test is one of many we have conducted. It marks the beginning of several phases, leading to passenger operations next year. We feel good about the progress and aim to launch services closer to the first half of 2026,' Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby Aviation, told Khaleej Times in June. 21 test flights The electric flying taxi manufacturer has conducted 21 full-transition flights in the summer. 'Joby completed 21 full-transition flights in a multi-week campaign in Dubai this summer to validate commercial readiness. The campaign validated several aspects of commercial market readiness in real-world conditions, spanning maintenance, logistics, aircraft capabilities and infrastructure,' it said in its second-quarter results. 'Over the course of several weeks in June and July, we conducted a series of piloted, vertical-takeoff-and-landing wingborne flights. In addition to validating our aircraft's capabilities, this campaign solidified the operational rigour and regulatory coordination required to successfully deploy air taxi service in the region. From access to airspace for flight tests to aligning on daily operations standards, this direct, in-market regulatory engagement provided real-time feedback for operational approvals. This was a critical step on our path to carrying our first passengers in Dubai in 2026,' it said in the quarterly report. Testing in 110°F temperatures It pointed out that conducting flights in ambient temperatures nearing 110°F provided critical data on thermal management system performance for our battery packs and electric motors. 'Sustained operations at elevated temperatures directly informed our thermal models and showcased system reliability across diverse climates,' it said, adding that these tests also allowed Joby to evaluate flight dynamics and control in thin, hot air, which impacts lift and thrust efficiency. 'Our pilots were able to assess the aircraft's responsiveness and handling under these challenging conditions. This data is invaluable for refining operational procedures and performance envelopes.' It said the Dubai campaign involved a team of Joby to evaluate the ability to establish and execute efficient ground operations, charging protocols, and aircraft turnarounds in a new, demanding environment, which provided critical real-world data points for it s passenger service model.
Zawya
04-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai's RTA opens new tunnel to ease traffic, reduces travel time to 3.8 minutes
DUBAI: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a new 800-metre tunnel with four lanes in each direction, designed to significantly improve traffic flow along Umm Suqeim Street. The tunnel forms a key part of the Umm Suqeim Street Development Project, which runs from the intersection with Al Khail Road to the junction with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. The upgraded road network is expected to benefit more than one million residents across several major communities, including Al Barsha South 1, 2, and 3, Dubai Hills, Arjan, and Dubai Science Park. 'The project enhances connectivity between four strategic corridors in Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road. It increases the capacity of Umm Suqeim Street to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, improves traffic flow, and reduces travel time between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road by 61% from 9.7 minutes to 3.8 minutes," said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA. Al Tayer also noted that RTA employed advanced smart technologies throughout the project. Drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) were used to collect and analyse construction data in real time, enhancing decision-making, boosting site efficiency, and reducing field survey time by 60%. "Additionally, time-lapse imaging was employed to continuously track construction progress, increasing monitoring efficiency by 40%," he said. The current development builds on earlier phases of the project. In 2013, RTA completed Phase I, which covered the section from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Khail Road. This phase included the construction of two bridges, each comprising three lanes in both directions, the first crossing the eastern street parallel to Al Asayel Street, and the second crossing the western street parallel to First Al Khail Road. The phase also included the development of two signalised intersections at the intersections of Umm Suqeim Street with Al Asayel Street and First Al Khail Road, in addition to three pedestrian bridges along Umm Suqeim Street to ensure safe crossing between Al Quoz and Al Barsha areas. In 2020, RTA also completed a 500-metre bridge at the intersection of Umm Suqeim Street and the entrance to Dubai Hills and Al Barsha South, as part of infrastructure upgrades for Dubai Hills Mall. This bridge features four lanes in each direction and handles up to 16,000 vehicles per hour—matching the capacity of the newly opened tunnel.
Gulf Business
13-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Dubai's new road plan: Traffic to be eased at Downtown Dubai, Business Bay
Image credit: WAM/Website In line with directives from Dubai's leadership to enhance road infrastructure and public transport in support of urban development, population growth, and quality of life, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract for the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project. Read- The Dhs633m project extends from the intersection with Za'abeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street. Once completed, it is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, cut travel times, and enhance access to key business and residential districts in central Dubai, The development includes the construction of 1,700 metres of bridges and tunnels, and the widening of Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in each direction. These upgrades will increase the road's capacity by 33 per cent, from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour in both directions, and reduce average travel time from 13 minutes to 6 minutes. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated that the project is part of a broader plan that includes the ongoing development of the Trade Centre Roundabout. 'Construction began in the last quarter of last year and aims to support several key commercial, residential, and development zones,' he said. Serving key hubs: DWTC, DIFC, Downtown and beyond Al Tayer emphasised the strategic importance of the project for several landmark areas. 'The Al Mustaqbal Street Development will serve the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which has hosted major exhibitions like GITEX, Arabian Travel Market, Arab Health, Gulfood, and the Transport Exhibition for over four decades.' He added that the project will also improve access to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading hub for the financial sector in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The upgrades are expected to benefit nearly half a million residents and visitors, and enhance connectivity to prominent districts such as Za'abeel, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay. Key infrastructure components include: Three new tunnels , totaling 1,200 metres, at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Street: A three-lane tunnel toward Deira (4,500 vehicles/hour) A two-lane bidirectional tunnel between Deira and Jebel Ali (3,000 vehicles/hour) A single-lane tunnel serving the One Central development (1,500 vehicles/hour) A 450-metre two-lane bridge for traffic from DWTC to Za'abeel Palace Street Widening of Al Mustaqbal Street over a 3.5-kilometre stretch to four lanes in each direction Additional upgrades will include the construction of free-flowing ramps to improve traffic at intersections with Exhibition Street and Trade Centre Street, as well as a pedestrian bridge over Al Sukook Street and upgrades to existing junctions along the corridor. Creating safer, more connected urban spaces Beyond vehicle traffic improvements, the project also introduces enhancements to the urban environment. These include upgraded pedestrian walkways, a dedicated cycling track, and decorative lighting—all aimed at promoting safety, accessibility, and visual appeal. The plan also features new public spaces designed to foster community engagement and support vibrant, inclusive urban living. Al Tayer noted that the development integrates with a larger master plan that includes the full reconstruction of the Trade Centre Roundabout—one of Dubai's most critical intersections. 'This junction connects Sheikh Zayed Road with five key arterial roads: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Road, 2nd December Street, Za'abeel Palace Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street,' he explained. The roundabout upgrade will include: Five new bridges totaling 5,000 metres Conversion of the existing roundabout into a surface-level intersection to improve traffic between Sheikh Zayed Road and 2nd December Street, and between Al Mustaqbal Street and Sheikh Zayed Road (southbound) A second-level bridge for free-flowing traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street These changes aim to improve connectivity for key destinations including DWTC, DIFC, and the wider Deira area. Part of a broader network expansion The Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre projects are being developed in tandem with several other major road infrastructure initiatives. In Q4 of 2024, the RTA also launched the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which involves upgrading four key intersections through the construction of bridges totaling 4,300 metres and 14 kilometres of roadway. This parallel development is designed to serve residential and commercial zones where the population is projected to exceed 420,000 by 2030. It is expected to reduce average travel time by 50 per cent, from 20 minutes to just 10 minutes. In addition, the RTA recently completed phases of the Al Khail Road Development Projec t , which included 3,300 metres of new bridges and the widening of lanes across 6,820 metres. Spanning seven locations, the project has cut travel times by 30 per cent and boosted capacity by nearly 19,600 vehicles per hour. Together, these interconnected projects reflect Dubai's broader commitment to building a smart, efficient, and future-ready transport network capable of meeting the city's ambitious urban growth and mobility goals.
Arabian Business
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Dubai's RTA launches trials for driverless vehicles
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a company specialising in autonomous driving technologies, to begin pilot trials of autonomous vehicles in the emirate. The trials are scheduled to begin later this year, with plans to launch a fully driverless commercial service in 2026. Dubai RTA signs MoU with for autonomous vehicle trials recently unveiled the seventh generation of its autonomous vehicles, developed jointly with automotive manufacturers including Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. The company's vehicles feature artificial intelligence algorithms and sensors, including lidars, radars, and cameras, designed to ensure navigation and safety across road and weather conditions. The company has established partnerships with technology firms including Tencent and Alibaba to integrate robotaxi mobility services into platforms such as WeChat and Alipay. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, and Dr. Leo Wang, Chief Financial Officer of attended the signing ceremony of the MoU between RTA and The MoU was signed on behalf of RTA by Mr. Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, and on behalf of by Ms. Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, in the presence of several officials from both parties, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement. Mattar Al Tayer said the partnership would support Dubai's efforts to adopt autonomous mobility solutions and reinforce its leadership in future mobility. He expressed appreciation for the company's decision to choose Dubai as its platform for expanding operations beyond China. 'RTA's continued expansion of partnerships with leading global companies in the field of autonomous mobility marks a key step towards achieving the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25 per cent of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys across various modes of transport by 2030. It underscores RTA's commitment to working closely with global technology leaders to advance the future of smart, efficient, and sustainable mobility,' Al Tayer said. Al Tayer said the operation of autonomous taxis would contribute to the integration of transport systems by facilitating the movement of public transport users and improving access to their destinations in line with the first and last-mile strategy. 'Operating autonomous taxis will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in Dubai, improve road safety, and offer greater convenience in daily mobility across the emirate,' he added. 'Autonomous mobility has become a present reality. Leading global companies are accelerating the development of technologies and software that power autonomous vehicles, while governments—through the relevant licensing and regulatory authorities—are working to provide the necessary infrastructure and establish the legislative and regulatory frameworks required to enable their operation,' Al Tayer explained. CFO Dr. Leo Wang also highlighted the regional significance of the partnership. 'The collaboration with Dubai RTA exemplifies our commitment to deploying Level 4 autonomous technology in strategic global markets. By aligning our technological capabilities with RTA's visionary leadership, we're establishing foundational standards for intelligent transportation ecosystems across the MENA region,' he concluded.
Zawya
09-06-2025
- Zawya
Dubai's RTA launches traffic enhancement works in 40 locations
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has commenced a series of traffic improvements across 40 key locations in the emirate, scheduled for implementation between June and September 2025. The works will cover 22 major streets, nine school zones, more than five development areas, and several internal roads in Tolerance District, Al Khawaneej 2, and Nad Al Sheba. These improvements will be carried out during the summer holiday to minimise disruption to daily traffic flow while ensuring the highest safety standards at all targeted sites. These efforts form part of a broader strategy to improve traffic flow, road safety, journey times, and connectivity between residential, educational, and development areas across the city, RTA said. The next phase will include traffic enhancements at key locations, such as Jumeirah Village Circle towards Hessa Street, Ras Al Khor Road, Al Thanya Street, and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street. Additional improvements will be made to Al Meydan Street, Al Sa'ada Street, Al Asayel Street, and the junction of Al Wasl Street with Al Manara Street. As part of its commitment to improving traffic efficiency and road safety around educational institutions, RTA is undertaking roadworks at nine strategic school zone locations. This includes upgrades at the Al Warqa 1 school complex, the construction of an additional bus entrance at GEMS School in Al Warqa 3, the widening of access and exit points around The English College in Al Safa 1 on Sheikh Zayed Road, and the installation of a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing on Al Seedaf Street in Al Barsha 1. These measures aim to ease congestion during peak morning and afternoon hours. In response to the emirate's population growth and booming economy, RTA is also implementing traffic solutions at five major development zones. This includes the construction of a direct access route to Al Muhaisnah labour camps from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, upgrades to Al Mustaqbal Street (Brookfield) for improved access to newly developed residential communities, better connectivity between Al Khail Road and Al Asayel Street via Al Marabea' Street, and enhancements at Nad Al Hamar junction near Lootah Mosque. Additionally, new parking facilities will be developed to serve Zayed Educational Complex in Oud Al Muteena 1. RTA will also complete internal roadworks in various areas, including Tolerance District, Al Khawaneej 2, Jebel Ali Industrial 1, Nad Al Sheba, and Al Warqa. Pedestrian walkways will be constructed in Al Quoz Creative Zone to improve pedestrian safety. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
