Latest news with #LicensingAgency
What's On
7 days ago
- Automotive
- What's On
Booking vehicle tests in Dubai? You'll now have to do it online
Turning queues into screen taps… Own a car in Dubai? In a move that's all about convenience and cutting-edge tech, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out a new online booking system for vehicle testing services in Dubai. The service allows drivers to book appointments for vehicle inspections. Which means you can finally say goodbye to long queues and hello to seamless scheduling, all from your phone or laptop. You can make your booking via the RTA website or mobile app. The initiative is designed to cut down waiting times, reduce congestion at testing centers, and improve overall customer satisfaction. According to Qais Al Farsi, Director of Vehicle Licensing at RTA's Licensing Agency, booking an appointment 'will help reduce waiting times by around 40 per cent. It will also improve occupancy rates, particularly at centres where utilisation had previously exceeded 80 per cent.' Not a fan of booking ahead? You can still walk in — but only at Tasjeel Hatta. Everywhere else, skipping the appointment will cost you an extra Dh100. So, you may as well get out your phone, and get your bookings done after a few quick taps. It's a smart move for a city constantly striving to stay ahead in innovation and service excellence. Thanks for making it easier for us, RTA… Other ways RTA is making life on the move easy nol cards In January 2024, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that they will be upgrading the current nol card system. The upgrade will mean you won't need your physical nol cards to tap in and out anymore… you just need your mobile phone. RTA announced the project is due for completion by the end of 2026. The upgrade, as of March was 40 per cent complete. The upgrade will see a shift from the existing card-based ticketing system to a more advanced account-based ticketing (ABT) technology. The shift will ensure the system keeps pace with global advancements in digital payments and financial technology (fintech). Read more about the project here. @rta_dubai Images: RTA and Unsplash > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Khaleej Times
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: RTA issues 88 traffic fines to heavy trailer owners for technical faults
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Wednesday it issued 88 traffic violations against heavy trailers that were found with broken-down tyres, defective lighting, no reflective stickers, and improper loading of vehicles that posed a danger to the road or other users. RTA said a comprehensive trailer safety inspection campaign was held across six key locations in Dubai in the first quarter of 2025 to enhance road safety. The campaign included 2,638 field inspections of heavy vehicles at several strategic locations along key roads, notably Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. 'During these inspections, 177 trailers were checked to ensure compliance with safety requirements, including tyre safety standards, brake efficiency tests, lighting systems, license validity, driver permits, and other essential procedures related to approved safety standards,' RTA said. 'The campaign identified 134 technical faults and issued 88 violations against heavy trailers, addressing several key issues, including unroadworthy tyres, defective lighting on the rear and sides of the trailer, the absence of reflective stickers on the rear of trailers, and improper loading of vehicles that posed a danger to the road or other users,' RTA added. '(We) are committed to conducting regular inspection campaigns across various sectors, with a particular focus on road transport, to ensure the highest levels of road safety,' said Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA. 'The goal is to curb violations through modern awareness methods. (We) aim to prevent risks arising from neglect or a lack of regular technical maintenance of heavy vehicles within the road transport sector, which is one of the most vital and influential sectors in the transportation and road safety system,' he added.
Gulf Business
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Dubai driver's license: What you really need to know
Image credit: WAM/Website Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has streamlined its driver licensing services, reducing the number of services by 53 per cent, from 33 to 15. Read- This move is part of ongoing efforts to deliver a seamless, secure, and integrated digital experience focused on customer satisfaction. It aligns with the Government of Dubai's vision to enhance the quality of life through improved public services across the emirate. 'The initiative to re-engineer the customer journey and simplify the process of obtaining a driver's licence through smart channels is part of a comprehensive roadmap to enhance RTA's services and improve the overall customer experience,' said Sultan Al Akraf, Director of Driver Licensing at the RTA's Licensing Agency. He added, 'The 'RTA remains committed to enhancing service quality for both corporate and individual customers, adhering to the highest international standards. This commitment is supported by smart solutions, advanced customer services, streamlined procedures, and continuous improvements in operational efficiency and sustainability,' Al Akraf said. Re-engineering the customer journey Al Akraf explained that the re-engineering of the customer journey aims to simplify procedures by reducing steps and visits, minimizing waiting times, and improving operational efficiency while strengthening integration with other government platforms. Range of streamlined services The range of services that have been simplified includes applying for or managing a driver's licence, adding new vehicle categories, transferring a trainee's file between driving institutes, updating personal information, renewing a licence, and requesting replacements in case of loss or damage. Proactive notifications have been introduced, and all these services are now fully accessible online via RTA's official website through simplified steps, eliminating the need for in-person visits. A comprehensive suite of additional driver-focused services is also available.
Arabian Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai's Transport Sector Sees Surge in Vehicle Rentals Amid Business Boom
A strong surge in Dubai's vehicle rental sector has been recorded in 2024, with the Roads and Transport Authority reporting a 43 per cent increase in newly registered commercial vehicles compared to 2023. The authority also noted a substantial 33 per cent rise in the number of newly licensed rental companies, highlighting the emirate's strengthening position as a regional transport and logistics hub. The RTA's Licensing Agency confirmed that 867 new rental companies were registered, bringing the total to 3,494 companies operating across the city, up from 2,627 the previous year. The commercial rental fleet grew markedly, reaching 71,040 vehicles compared to 49,725 in 2023, underscoring a clear trend of expansion in Dubai's transport and mobility sectors. Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA, attributed the growth to Dubai's continued focus on facilitating business-friendly conditions and enhancing transport infrastructure. 'The increase in the number of newly registered vehicles and companies operating in the commercial transport sector demonstrates Dubai's competitiveness and appeal in attracting businesses to this sector. It also underscores the emirate's commitment to accelerating economic growth and fulfilling its overarching development vision,' Mahboob stated. Industry observers point out that Dubai's strategic location, ambitious economic diversification initiatives, and robust regulatory framework are critical factors behind the expanding rental market. The city's focus on preparing for major upcoming global events, such as COP28 and other international conferences, has also fuelled demand for flexible mobility solutions. Analysts further emphasise that the transport sector's upswing aligns with Dubai's broader ambitions under its D33 Economic Agenda, aimed at doubling the size of its economy over the next decade. Market players in the rental industry are experiencing heightened demand from sectors such as tourism, logistics, real estate, and technology. The influx of expatriates, professionals, and digital nomads has significantly contributed to the appetite for short- and medium-term vehicle rentals. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the emirate welcomed 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023, a number expected to rise in 2024, thereby strengthening mobility requirements across the board. The preference for rental vehicles over private ownership is also being driven by lifestyle shifts, with a growing emphasis on convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. According to a recent mobility survey conducted by consultancy firm Arthur D. Little, nearly 35 per cent of respondents in the UAE indicated a preference for rental or subscription-based vehicle services, suggesting a broader behavioural transformation underway in the transportation domain. Commercial fleet operators have seized the opportunity by expanding their offerings beyond conventional vehicles to include electric vehicles , luxury cars, and specialised logistics transporters. Several leading rental companies have announced plans to increase their EV fleet components, aligning with the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030, which targets a 30 per cent electrification rate across public and private fleets. The supportive regulatory environment has played a pivotal role in boosting confidence among rental businesses. Dubai's Licensing Agency has streamlined procedures for company registration and vehicle licensing, introduced digital platforms for permit applications, and incentivised fleet modernisation programmes. The introduction of smart traffic management systems and expansion of dedicated transport zones have further enhanced operational efficiency for rental operators. Challenges remain, however, particularly concerning market saturation and competitive pricing pressures. As more companies enter the sector, maintaining profitability while ensuring high service standards has become a balancing act for operators. Experts warn that without continuous innovation, quality assurance, and diversification into niche services, some smaller players may struggle to sustain operations over the long term. On the technological front, rental companies are investing heavily in digital transformation initiatives. Mobile booking apps, AI-powered fleet management systems, and customer service chatbots are becoming standard across the sector. Industry executives acknowledge that tech-driven operational efficiencies are crucial to managing costs, enhancing customer satisfaction, and scaling up rapidly to meet growing demand. See also Aramco and BYD Join Forces on Energy Vehicle Innovation The integration of mobility-as-a-service platforms is emerging as a key trend, with rental companies partnering with public transport providers and ride-sharing apps to offer seamless transport solutions. This model aims to cater to a diverse customer base seeking unified, flexible options that combine private rentals with metro, tram, and bus networks. Such integration aligns with Dubai's broader Smart City ambitions and Vision 2021 goals for sustainable urban mobility. Economic analysts at Emirates NBD note that the transport and storage sector in Dubai grew by 11.5 per cent in 2023, reflecting the importance of mobility services to the emirate's GDP. With new infrastructure projects, including expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport and investments in Dubai South, the momentum is expected to continue, providing further impetus to ancillary industries like vehicle rentals. The city's drive towards autonomous vehicle deployment and smart transport ecosystems is encouraging rental companies to prepare for future demand shifts. Partnerships between Dubai's government agencies and global automotive technology firms signal a readiness to embrace disruptive mobility solutions. Rental companies that can adapt to these technological shifts are likely to be better positioned for long-term success. The demographic dynamics of Dubai also contribute significantly to the expanding rental landscape. A youthful, tech-savvy population with a preference for service-oriented consumption models tends to favour rental and subscription services over traditional ownership. Additionally, Dubai's tax-free environment, high disposable incomes, and strong entrepreneurial culture attract business travellers and start-up communities that rely heavily on flexible transport solutions.
Gulf Business
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Dubai's vehicle rental sector sees strong growth in 2024
Image: Dubai Media Office/ RTA Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recorded sharp growth in the emirate's vehicle rental sector in 2024, with the number of newly registered commercial vehicles rising about 43 per cent compared to the previous year, the authority said on Saturday. The number of registered rental companies increased by around 33 per cent during the same period, with 867 new companies registered, bringing the total to 3,494, up from 2,627 in 2023. The total rental fleet expanded to 71,040 vehicles from 49,725, according to figures from RTA's Licensing Agency. 'The increase in the number of newly registered vehicles and companies operating in the commercial transport sector demonstrates Dubai's competitiveness and appeal in attracting businesses to this sector,' said Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA. 'It also underscores the emirate's commitment to accelerating economic growth and fulfilling its overarching development vision.' High-end vehicle rentals rose by 73 per cent, while electric vehicles within the rental fleet grew by 50 per cent compared to 2023, RTA said. Commercial vehicle market is a key sector The sector is seen as critical to supporting Dubai's broader economic and trade ambitions, including the goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33', which aims to position the city among the world's top three economic hubs. Mahboob said the RTA is continuing to enhance service delivery and regulatory frameworks to support the sector, including initiatives such as the Commercial Vehicle Life Extension Service, which allows vehicles that have exceeded the operational limit to be inspected and registered for an additional year. Other initiatives include the Hourly Commercial Vehicle Rental Service, aimed at promoting safer and more efficient rentals, and the introduction of the Commercial Licensing System (CLS), which simplifies application procedures for investors and service providers. The The car rental sector remains a key pillar of Dubai's economy, supporting both tourism and corporate business activities. Rental operations are regulated through the TARS electronic rental system, which covers light and heavy vehicles and streamlines processes between rental companies and customers. 'The growth in activity within the vehicle
