Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority hopes the Railbus will alleviate traffic congestion when it is introduced. Photo: RTA / X
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority hopes the Railbus will alleviate traffic congestion when it is introduced. Photo: RTA / X
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority hopes the Railbus will alleviate traffic congestion when it is introduced. Photo: RTA / X
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority hopes the Railbus will alleviate traffic congestion when it is introduced. Photo: RTA / X

Dubai teases introduction of ‘Railbus’ system to ease traffic


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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority on Monday revealed early plans for a “Railbus” system for the city.

The capsule-like vehicles, 11.5 metres in length and 2.65 metres wide, have a top speed of 100 kph and can hold 40 passengers.

A launch date was not given for the project, but more details are set to be released at the World Governments Summit this week, the authority said on X.

The vehicles are lightweight and highly flexible, which significantly reduces the cost of maintaining infrastructure, according to the Railbus website.

Later on Monday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was joined by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, in reviewing the Railbus prototype while visiting the RTA’s stand at the World Governments Summit.

Here, Sheikh Mohammed received a briefing from Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the RTA, state news agency Wam reported.

“Railbus is solar-powered, highly efficient, and cost-effective, integrating with Dubai’s public transport network. It also enhances first and last-mile connectivity, ensuring safe, smooth, and sustainable travel for residents and visitors in urban areas,” Mr Al Tayer said. “Railbus carriages have been designed and manufactured using cutting-edge, sustainability-focused technologies. They incorporate high-efficiency components and systems, ensuring maximum safety while reducing energy and maintenance costs.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was joined by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, to review the Railbus with Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the RTA. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was joined by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, to review the Railbus with Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the RTA. Photo: Wam

A transforming city

It is the latest in a series of recent announcements to help ease the pressure on Dubai’s road network, with plans released in June setting out to double the number of Metro and tram stations by 2040.

Dubai has 55 Metro stations – 35 on the red line and 20 on the green line – as well as 11 tram stops. This number is to be increased to 96 stations spanning 140km by 2030, according to Dubai Media Office.

Set to transform the north-east of the city, a Dh18 billion ($4.9 billion) project is under way to add a blue line to the Metro system, which will feature 14 stations and add 30km to the Metro network, more than half of it underground.

Under plans laid out by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, several car-free zones are to be established across the city.

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Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments

India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery

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French Open (1 title) - 2009 bt Robin Soderling

Wimbledon (8 titles) - 2003 bt Mark Philippoussis; 2004 bt Andy Roddick; 2005 bt Andy Roddick; 2006 bt Rafael Nadal; 2007 bt Rafael Nadal; 2009 bt Andy Roddick; 2012 bt Andy Murray; 2017 bt Marin Cilic

US Open (5 titles) - 2004 bt Lleyton Hewitt; 2005 bt Andre Agassi; 2006 bt Andy Roddick; 2007 bt Novak Djokovic; 2008 bt Andy Murray

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All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia

What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix

When Saturday

Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia

What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.

Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

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Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

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"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

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Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Updated: February 11, 2025, 5:19 AM`