Dubai:Dubai has officially received the flag to host the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2026, reaffirming the city’s global stature in mobility innovation and infrastructure. The announcement was made during the ongoing summit in Hamburg, where Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) also signed a landmark AED 1.1 billion agreement to procure 637 environmentally friendly buses, including 40 electric buses—the UAE’s largest order of its kind.His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General, led the Dubai delegation at the event, which attracted over 10,000 participants from more than 100 countries. He emphasized that public transport usage in Dubai has surged from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024, with the new buses set to support the emirate’s goal of a fully electric and hydrogen-powered fleet by 2050.
The agreements involve leading global manufacturers including Volvo, MAN, Zhongtong, and Anadolu Isuzu. The new fleet features advanced safety, comfort, and smart technology, including passenger counting systems and biometric driver authentication. RTA also showcased futuristic projects such as the Dubai Metro Blue Line, Aerial Taxi, RAILBUS, and a 3D-printed electric abra.
The summit marks a continued strategic partnership between RTA and UITP, following Dubai’s successful hosting of the 2011 edition and ongoing regional leadership in sustainable and integrated mobility.
