Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA Dubai) has announced the celebration of its 20th anniversary. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, credited the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for transforming Dubai’s transport landscape and enhancing its global competitiveness.

Al Tayer revealed that RTA’s workforce has played a key role in developing an integrated transport network. More than 400 Emirati engineers and specialists are now working in advanced sectors such as trains, smart traffic systems, artificial intelligence, and data science.

He reported that the Dubai Government invested AED175 billion over the past two decades in transport infrastructure. This investment delivered major projects, including the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, covering more than 100 kilometres combined. It also expanded over 25,000 lane-kilometres of roads, 560 kilometres of cycling tracks, 1,050 bridges and tunnels, and 177 pedestrian crossings.

Annual ridership has increased from 220 million passengers in 2006 to over 747 million in 2024. Public transport’s share of total mobility has risen from 6 percent to 21.6 percent.

A McKinsey & Company study revealed that RTA’s projects generated AED150 billion in revenues and reduced fuel and time costs by AED319 billion. The study also showed a 5 percent rate of return. Property values rose by up to 16 percent, while the fatality rate fell from 21.9 per 100,000 people in 2006 to 1.8 in 2024. More than 9.5 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions were avoided through public transport use.

RTA’s corporatisation model has also resulted in the listing of four companies on the Dubai Financial Market:

• Salik
• Parkin
• Dubai Taxi
• Mada Media

Together, these companies have a combined value exceeding AED80 billion. The Authority regulates more than 16,000 transport companies and has attracted AED32.4 billion in foreign direct investment over the past 20 years.

Looking ahead, RTA Dubai announced that it will focus on five strategic pillars: developing national talent, investing in AI-ready infrastructure, advancing autonomous and sustainable mobility, supporting start-ups through new business models, and strengthening public-private partnerships.

Key upcoming projects include the 30-kilometre Dubai Metro Blue Line and the introduction of autonomous and aerial taxis by 2026.

During the anniversary ceremony, RTA honoured its founding and distinguished employees. It also unveiled commemorative editions of the nol card and a coin to mark the milestone.

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