Dubai to Introduce Trackless Trams as Road Vehicles Hit 3.5 Million

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, recently directed the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to initiate studies on implementing a cutting-edge, all-electric autonomous tram system, an initiative to modernize and enhance Dubai's public transport network. Announced as part of the Dubai Tram’s 10th anniversary celebrations, the plan outlines the integration of autonomous trackless trams at eight locations across the emirate. These trams are designed to operate on virtual tracks, guided by cameras that follow painted lines on dedicated lanes, offering an innovative solution for expanding Dubai’s eco-friendly transportation options.

The trams, envisioned as part of Dubai’s ambitious high-tech transport strategy, will have a capacity of 300 passengers across three carriages. Operating at speeds between 25 to 60 kilometers per hour and reaching a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour, each tram will be capable of covering up to 100 kilometers on a single charge. This initiative aligns with Sheikh Hamdan’s broader vision to position Dubai as a global leader in sustainable and smart transportation, with an emphasis on enhancing both commuter experience and environmental impact.

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Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed the RTA’s Main Roads Development Plan 2024-2027, a comprehensive Dh16 billion initiative aimed at addressing the demands of a rapidly growing population. This plan, encompassing 22 key projects, seeks to improve road infrastructure, reduce travel times, and increase the city’s traffic capacity. Specific projects include upgrades to Umm Suqeim and Al Qudra Roads, expected to expand capacity from 8,400 to 12,600 vehicles per hour, along with enhancements to Latifa bint Hamdan Street to accommodate an additional 16,000 vehicles per hour. Further development efforts include extending dedicated bus and taxi lanes by 2025 and 2026, adding six new routes totaling 13 kilometers, which will increase the total length of dedicated lanes to 20 kilometers.

Dubai’s growth has been accompanied by a surge in vehicle numbers, with an estimated 3.5 million vehicles on the roads during daytime hours—a 10 percent increase in registered vehicles over the past two years, surpassing the global average growth rate of 2 to 4 percent. Despite this increase, Dubai ranks highly in global journey time efficiency. According to the 2023 TomTom Global Traffic Index, Dubai’s average journey time for a 10-kilometer trip in the central business district is 12 minutes and 50 seconds, faster than cities like Singapore, Montreal, Sydney, Berlin, and London.

The trackless tram project forms part of the UAE's broader vision to transition to autonomous and sustainable transport solutions. This initiative follows Abu Dhabi’s introduction of a tram-like electric bus under the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project, connecting key city locations in a 14-stop route with the capacity to carry 240 passengers. Launched initially on Yas Island in December 2022, the ART is part of Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Project, in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), and Bayanat.

In addition, the UAE Cabinet granted the first national license for self-driving vehicles to the Chinese company WeRide in June 2023, advancing the UAE's commitment to innovative transport technologies. By 2030, Dubai aims to make 25 percent of its transportation fully autonomous, aligning with this objective and further bolstered by recent announcements to expand Metro and tram networks by 2040. This includes plans to more than double the current number of Metro and tram stations, a move that underscores Dubai’s strategy to enhance public transport as part of its wider economic and urban development framework.

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