Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially received the flag to host the Global Public Transport Summit 2026 during its participation in the summit held in Hamburg, Germany. Organized by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), this event will mark the second time Dubai has been selected as host, having previously organized the 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition in 2011.
Additionally, the RTA signed an agreement to procure 637 buses equipped with Euro 6 engines, totaling AED1.1 billion ($299.5 million). The buses are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026, Dubai Media Office reported.
This announcement was made during the RTA delegation’s participation, led by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2025, held in Hamburg, Germany. The summit brought together 1,900 members from over 100 countries, featured 300 speakers, and hosted 80 discussion panels exploring the latest ideas and developments in urban and sustainable mobility.
On the sidelines of the summit, a public transport exhibition was held, featuring 400 specialized companies and attracting over 10,000 visitors. The RTA showcased its latest projects and initiatives in sustainable public transport, autonomous mobility, and digital customer services.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer attended the opening ceremony of the summit, which was inaugurated in the presence of His Excellency Patrick Schneider, Federal minister for Transport of the Federal Republic of Germany; His Excellency Dr. Anjes Tjarks, senator of Hamburg’s Ministry of Transport and Mobility Transition; Her Excellency Renée Amilcar, president of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP); and His Excellency Mohamed Mezghani, secretary general of the UITP.
Addressing inclusivity and safety in transport
During the summit, speakers highlighted emerging trends in the public transport sector, including its role in facilitating the mobility of residents and visitors, the future of metro systems, the integration of various public transport modes, and the rise of individual mobility options such as bicycles and autonomous public transport systems.
Renée Amilcar, who was re-elected as President of the UITP, affirmed that mass transit is not merely about systems and schedules, but rather a societal structure centered around people.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anjes Tjarks, senator of Hamburg’s Ministry of Transport and Mobility Transition of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, stated that the public transport system serves as the backbone of both infrastructure and the economy, acting as a catalyst for digital transformation and innovation.
Author Benita Matofska discussed strategies for driving positive change towards sustainability, stating: “The most important skill is the ability to adapt. Optimism and positive motivation empower people to feel they can make a difference.”
The Global Summit focused on a range of strategic themes that reflect the future of public transport and the challenges facing cities and operators worldwide. These included sustainable mobility and carbon neutrality, innovation and smart technologies, transit-oriented urban planning, and the financing and operational sustainability of public transport systems. The summit also addressed critical areas such as inclusivity in public transport, safety and cybersecurity, international cooperation, and the development of strategic partnerships.
Strategic partnership
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer stated: “Dubai’s selection to host the UITP Global Public Transport Summit reflects the confidence that international organizations and institutions place in the emirate’s leading global position and strong reputation. It also highlights the quality and efficiency of Dubai’s integrated infrastructure, particularly its advanced public transport and mass transit systems.”
He added: “Dubai’s proven ability to host world-class events and deliver them to the highest international standards reinforces its status as a preferred destination for major global gatherings.”
Al Tayer emphasized RTA’s commitment to participating in the summit, saying: “This summit is a global platform for transport professionals, bringing together heads of authorities, policymakers, developers, operators, and manufacturers to explore future solutions for public transport and showcase the latest advancements in infrastructure technologies.” He added: “Our participation is part of a long-standing strategic partnership with the UITP, a relationship that began with the founding of the RTA and was marked by Dubai’s hosting of the UITP World Congress and Exhibition in 2011, the first to be held in the Middle East and North Africa.”
“This partnership was further reinforced with the establishment of the MENA Centre for Transport Excellence and the successful organization of five editions of the UITP MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition,” he noted.
Al Tayer added: “Dubai’s public transport system has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the development of an advanced and diverse infrastructure that now serves as the backbone of mobility for both residents and visitors across the emirate. Thanks to these efforts, the share of journeys made using public transport and shared mobility has increased from 6 percent in 2006 to 21.6 percent in 2024.
“The newly procured buses will support the geographic expansion of bus services across all areas of Dubai and will play a key role in our transition towards a 100 percent electric and hydrogen-powered public bus fleet by 2050.”
Bus supply agreements
On the sidelines of RTA’s participation in the UITP Global Public Transport Summit, Al Tayer witnessed the signing of four major agreements to supply 637 buses of various types. These vehicles comply with the European “Euro 6” low-emission standards and include 40 electric buses, marking the UAE’s largest and first-of-their-kind order. Deliveries are scheduled for 2025 and 2026.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Dan Peterson, vice president International at Volvo Buses; Mr. Barbaros Oktay, senior vice president and head of the Bus Business Unit at MAN; Mr. Zhou Yong Hou, general manager of Zhongtong Bus; and Mr. Murat Dedeoglu, International Sales director at Anadolu Isuzu.
The RTA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese company BYD to pilot the operation of an electric bus equipped with the latest technologies and battery systems offered by the company. The trial will take place in Dubai over a period that includes the summer season.
The agreements were signed on behalf of the RTA by Mr. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency. Signing on behalf of Al-Futtaim Automotive, the authorized dealer of Volvo, was Mr. Paul Willis, president of Al-Futtaim Automotive. Representing United Motors and Heavy Equipment Co., the authorized dealer of MAN, was Mr. Khalifa Saif Darwish, general manager of the company. The two agreements on behalf of Saeed Juma Al Naboodah Group, the authorized dealer of Zhongtong Bus and Anadolu Isuzu, were signed by Mr. Medhat Shoukry, chief executive officer of the group.
Bus specifications
The agreements include the supply of 40 electric buses, “zero-emission” from Zhongtong, equipped with GCC specifications and previously tested in the region. Each bus measures 12 meters in length and accommodates 72 passengers.
Additionally, the agreements cover the supply of 451 city service buses, comprising 400 MAN buses, each 12 meters long with a capacity of 86 passengers, and 51 Zhongtong buses of the same length, each accommodating 72 passengers. These buses are equipped with high standards of safety, comfort, and quality, and are powered by environmentally friendly Euro 6 engines. They are classified under the United Nations vehicle classification as Class II, allowing for flexible operation on both urban routes and inter-urban highways.
The agreement also includes the supply of 76 double-decker Volvo buses, each 13 meters long with a capacity of 98 passengers, as well as 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu, each 18 meters long with a capacity of 111 passengers. These articulated buses are designed to serve high-density urban areas and newly developed districts, ensuring broader geographical coverage in Dubai and improving occupancy rates.
Most of the buses will be equipped with the Raqeeb system, “Driver Behaviour Monitoring System,” which monitors and improves driver conduct using innovative technologies to enhance safety standards across the fleet. They will also be fitted with the Rasid electronic system, “Automated Passenger Counting,” which records actual passenger numbers and cross-references them with the automated fare collection system, aiming to reduce fare evasion.
An electronic Driver Identity Authentication system will also be installed to verify the driver’s identity inside the bus and integrate it with the operational system.
The buses will feature comfortable seating, high safety standards, and adjustable seat belts in family-designated areas to accommodate all age groups. Additionally, they will have a streamlined design that reflects Dubai’s modern and forward-looking image.
The new buses have been designed in line with the latest international specifications, with particular attention to inclusivity and passenger comfort. They feature low-floor entry points to facilitate boarding and alighting for People of Determination, designated spaces for bicycles, and special seating for children.
The buses are also equipped with Wi-Fi service, mobile phone charging ports, and smart systems to enhance the overall experience for public transport users. These features are complemented by high-quality interior finishes and spacious seating to provide a superior level of comfort.
Read more: RTA launches AI-powered rail infrastructure inspection to optimize Dubai Metro operations
RTA stand
The RTA participated in the global event with a delegation comprising several CEOs and Directors. It also had a dedicated stand showcasing a range of strategic initiatives, ambitious plans, and future projects.
Among the highlights was a model of the Dubai Walk project, which outlines the master plan to transform Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city year-round. The project includes the development of more than 6,500 km of pedestrian pathways across 160 areas.
The first phase of the project involves the construction of two loops, one in the Al Ras area and the other in the Museum of the Future district, totaling 17 km. The Future Loop features an iconic, architecturally designed bridge tailored to the character of the area, stretching 2 km in length and ranging from 6 to 15 meters in width. The bridge connects 10 key destinations and includes a climate-controlled level spanning 30,000 square meters to allow year-round walking, along with 1,000 square meters of open spaces featuring shaded areas and greenery.
The RTA also showcased the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, which spans 30 km, half of which is underground, and includes 14 stations. The line is designed to serve nine residential and development areas with an estimated combined population of around one million by 2040.
In addition, the Authority presented the RAILBUS project, a futuristic, self-driving, and sustainable mass transit system powered by solar energy. It represents one of RTA’s innovative solutions for delivering environmentally friendly transport.
The RTA also highlighted the Aerial Taxi project, developed in collaboration with Skyports and Joby Aviation, which is expected to be operational by 2026.
The stand further featured a model of the world’s first electric abra manufactured using 3D printing technology in collaboration with the private sector. The abra accommodates 20 passengers.
Additionally, the stand showcased a new Dubai Metro fare payment system using palm print biometrics, allowing passengers to travel without the need for a nol card.
Inspection tour
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, along with the accompanying delegation, toured the exhibition held alongside the summit. He reviewed the latest innovations in public transport buses and smart mobility technologies.
The tour included visits to the stand of the host city, Hamburg; the stand of BYD, the electric vehicle and bus manufacturer; and the MAN platform, where he was briefed on the latest advancements in bus manufacturing.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer reviewed Volkswagen’s latest advancements in autonomous mobility technologies. He was briefed on the trial operation of the MOIA self-driving vehicle in Hamburg, which is being integrated into the city’s public transport network as part of Germany’s government-supported autonomous driving initiatives.
His Excellency attended a detailed presentation by Christian Senger, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, responsible for Autonomous Driving (formerly CEO of Volkswagen ADMT), who outlined the Group’s global strategy and ongoing projects in the autonomous mobility sector.
The visit included a live demonstration of the fully electric ID. Buzz AD, a vehicle developed for SAE Level 4 autonomous operation and currently undergoing pilot testing in Hamburg.
Discussions also covered potential avenues for future collaboration, including the prospect of deploying the MOIA autonomous shuttle in Dubai, in line with RTA’s strategic vision for smart and sustainable mobility.
