Dubai continues to sharpen its vision for world-class urban mobility as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum undertakes a detailed review of the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) strategic plan aimed at transforming the emirate’s transport network. According to Roads and Transport Authority media, this review underscores a renewed focus on advanced infrastructure, integrated transport systems, and visionary projects to keep pace with Dubai’s rapid development and population growth. The exercise highlights Dubai’s ongoing commitment to innovative traffic solutions, public transport enhancements, and strategically aligned mobility initiatives. As the city accelerates into the future, this strategic review demonstrates leadership support for integrated planning and smart mobility systems across all transport modes.
This initiative marks the largest EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contract since CNPC (China National Petroleum Corporation) assumed the lead role at Iraq’s West Qurna-1 one of the world’s largest oilfields.
During the strategic plan review, Sheikh Mohammed examined RTA’s current and upcoming projects designed to enhance the road network and public transport systems across the emirate. Central to this evaluation was RTA’s Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC³), a cutting-edge smart facility that manages traffic, incidents, and transport operations across Dubai from a single integrated platform. RTA’s leadership and project managers briefed His Highness on how this facility supports real-time decision-making during daily mobility operations and major city events, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in transport innovation.
RTA’s strategic blueprint covers extensive plans to develop Dubai’s transport infrastructure, including expansions and upgrades across roads, bridges, and public transit corridors. The emirate’s road network, spanning tens of thousands of lane-kilometres, is being optimized to support economic growth and population increase while prioritizing safety and efficiency. Integrated planning with metro, tram, bus, taxi, and marine transport services indicates an ambitious push toward seamless multimodal connectivity in line with the city’s long-term mobility goals.
A significant highlight of the review was the role of advanced technology in Dubai’s transport landscape. The RTA’s strategic plan includes intelligent systems that leverage pervasive sensors, AI-enabled traffic management, and data analytics to optimize travel patterns across the city. The EC³ is a cornerstone of this approach, integrating more than 10,000 cameras and controlling vast swathes of mobility data to ensure efficient incident response, emergency handling, and coordinated transport operations. By embracing digital transformation, Dubai aims to reduce congestion, improve safety, and maintain high-quality services for residents and visitors alike.
The strategic plan review also aligns with Dubai’s broader urban development and mobility vision, which includes expanding metro lines, enhancing public transport coverage, and introducing autonomous mobility solutions. One example is the forthcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line, a new rapid transit route that aims to strengthen connectivity between key residential and employment centers in the emirate. Additionally, RTA is advancing aerial taxi trials and autonomous taxi deployments to broaden the spectrum of transport options available to the public in the near future. These initiatives serve as pillars of Dubai’s mission to position itself as a global mobility leader by 2030 and beyond.
Throughout the strategic review process, RTA officials, including Director-General Mattar Al Tayer, played an active role in briefing Sheikh Mohammed on implementation challenges and opportunities. This collaboration between leadership and technical teams reflects a governance model that prioritizes integration, foresight, and accountability across all transport initiatives. The review reinforces the commitment of Dubai’s leadership to enhancing mobility performance while anticipating future demand and technological disruption in the transport sector.
Sheikh Mohammed’s review of the RTA’s strategic plan marks a pivotal moment in Dubai’s pursuit of excellence in mobility and transport infrastructure. This comprehensive evaluation emphasizes smart systems, integrated planning, and future-ready transport solutions tailored to the city’s growing ambitions. By aligning strategic initiatives with leadership vision and technological advances, RTA continues to position Dubai as a model for seamless, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility worldwide.