Dubai’s RTA seals UAE’s largest electric bus deal, receives UITP 2026 Flag in Hamburg
New agereement includes 40 zero-emission vehicles
DUBAI’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has received the official flag to host the 2026 edition of the Global Public Transport Summit, during the ongoing summit in Hamburg, Germany.
Organised by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), the event will mark Dubai’s second time hosting the prestigious global gathering, following its successful organisation of the 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition in 2011.
During its participation, the RTA also announced a Dh1.1 billion agreement to procure 637 state-of-the-art buses, including 40 electric buses – marking the largest electric bus procurement in the UAE’s history. The move is in line with Dubai’s strategic goal of achieving a 100% electric and hydrogen-powered public bus fleet by 2050.
UITP Summit highlights
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, led the delegation in Hamburg. The UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2025 welcomed over 1,900 members from more than 100 countries, featured 300 speakers, and hosted 80 panel discussions tackling the most pressing challenges and opportunities in urban mobility.
An accompanying exhibition brought together 400 specialised companies and attracted over 10,000 visitors. The RTA showcased its pioneering initiatives in sustainable public transport, digital services, and autonomous mobility.
Key international figures attending the summit included German Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schneider, Hamburg Senator for Transport Dr Anjes Tjarks, UITP President Renée Amilcar, and UITP Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani.
Dubai’s rising transit share
Al Tayer highlighted Dubai’s advanced public transport systems and their vital role in mobility. He noted that the emirate’s share of journeys made via public and shared transport has increased from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024.
Speaking at the summit, he stated: “Dubai’s selection to host the 2026 summit reflects the emirate’s international stature and the global confidence in its ability to organise major events. Our integrated infrastructure and advanced transport systems position Dubai as a leader in smart, sustainable mobility.”
He also emphasised the strategic partnership between RTA and UITP, which dates back to the Authority’s founding. The collaboration led to the formation of the MENA Centre for Transport Excellence and the organisation of five UITP MENA Transport Congress and Exhibitions in Dubai.
Major bus deal
On the sidelines of the summit, Al Tayer witnessed the signing of four key agreements to procure 637 environmentally friendly buses. The fleet includes:
- 40 electric buses from Zhongtong (zero-emission, 12 metres, 72 passengers)
- 451 city buses, including 400 from MAN (12 metres, 86 passengers) and 51 from Zhongtong (same specs)
- 76 double-decker Volvo buses (13 metres, 98 passengers)
- 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu (18 metres, 111 passengers)
These buses meet the European “Euro 6” low-emission standards and will be delivered in 2025 and 2026. Most will be fitted with smart systems including:
- Raqeeb Driver Monitoring
- Rasid Passenger Counting
- Electronic Driver Identity Verification
They also offer modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, high-quality interiors, child and family-friendly areas, and inclusive features such as low-floor designs and bicycle storage.
Future mobility projects
At the Hamburg exhibition, the RTA also showcased a model of the Dubai Walk project, aimed at transforming Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city with over 6,500 km of pathways across 160 areas.
Phase one of the project features loops in Al Ras and the Museum of the Future district, spanning 17 km. The Future Loop includes a 2 km climate-controlled pedestrian bridge covering 30,000 square metres.
Additional highlights at the RTA stand included:
- Dubai Metro Blue Line: 30 km with 14 stations, serving 1 million residents by 2040
- RAILBUS: A solar-powered, self-driving mass transit concept
- Aerial Taxi: In partnership with Skyports and Joby Aviation, to be operational by 2026
- 3D-Printed Electric Abra: The world’s first of its kind, accommodating 20 passengers
- Palm Print Fare System: A biometric ticketing alternative for the Dubai Metro
Global engagement
Al Tayer, along with senior officials, conducted an inspection tour of the exhibition, visiting the stands of BYD, MAN, and Volkswagen. At the Volkswagen booth, he explored autonomous transport technologies and attended a live demo of the ID. Buzz AD – an SAE Level 4 self-driving electric vehicle under trial in Hamburg.
A presentation by Christian Senger, Board Member at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and former CEO of Volkswagen ADMT, detailed the company's strategy in autonomous mobility, including MOIA autonomous shuttles. Discussions included the potential for deploying similar solutions in Dubai.
The RTA also signed an MoU with BYD to pilot a new electric bus in Dubai, with testing to take place during the summer. The bus is equipped with advanced battery systems and tailored for regional operating conditions.
Public transport backbone
Al Tayer reiterated the vital role of mass transit as the backbone of mobility in Dubai. The newly procured buses will enhance coverage, improve occupancy rates, and support Dubai’s expanding urban footprint.
He stated: “These additions will contribute significantly to achieving our environmental goals while ensuring high-capacity transport for emerging districts.”
Renée Amilcar, re-elected as UITP President, emphasised the societal importance of public transport: “Mass transit is not just systems and schedules – it’s about people and inclusive communities.”
Hamburg Senator Dr Anjes Tjarks echoed the sentiment, stating that public transport is pivotal to economic resilience and digital transformation.