Mohammed bin Rashid reviews futuristic mobility system and Therme Dubai

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the stand of Roads and Transport Authority at the World Governments Summit to view two of the major projects planned for the near future—RAILBUS, a futuristic public transport system, and Therme Dubai, a world-class wellbeing resort.

Alongside His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and other top officials, Sheikh Mohammed learned about these projects to be launched that would modernize urban mobility in Dubai, ultimately improving its citizens' quality of life.

RAILBUS: The Future of Public Transport

RAILBUS is a novel, eco-friendly transportation system based on solar energy. It's designed to make public transport sustainable, affordable, and efficient. With autonomous driving technology and a sleek, modern design, RAILBUS strives to transform the concept of urban mobility.

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Sheikh Mohammed received a detailed briefing on RAILBUS from Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. The project aligns with key sustainability goals, including the UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050 and Dubai’s plan to have 25% of all trips in the city be autonomous by 2030.

Al Tayer reveals that the system is under development with cost efficiency and environmental benefits at its core. RAILBUS is solar-powered, integrates perfectly into the public transport of Dubai, and connects its citizens remarkably well throughout the city, with respect to first and last-mile travel.

Innovative Carriage Design

The RAILBUS carriages are built with the use of advanced 3D printing technology and recycled materials. It is lightweight, energy-efficient, and reduces the cost of running as well as its environmental footprint. The car has a length of 11.5 meters, a width of 2.6 meters, and a height of 2.9 meters, holding 40 passengers at a top speed of 100 km/h. Inside, the passengers enjoy modern spacious designs, comfortable seats, ambient lighting, and free Wi-Fi onboard.

Compared to similar transport systems, RAILBUS offers 20-30% lower infrastructure and operational costs. Its energy expenses are highly reduced because it runs on solar power. RTA plans to complete technical studies on the system within the next two years and will then decide on the best locations in Dubai to begin pilot operations.

Therme Dubai: A New Wellbeing Destination

Sheikh Mohammed also viewed the Therme Dubai project, a new luxury wellness resort that will be the first of its kind in the Middle East. The project, to be built in Zabeel Park with a budget of AED 2 billion, aims to provide a relaxing and immersive experience for residents and visitors. The development is supported by both local and international financial partners.

Therme Dubai will cover 500,000 square feet and stand 100 meters tall. It will provide various wellbeing and leisure experiences. The facility is planned to accommodate 1.7 million visitors every year. Thermal pools, wellness zones, and a Michelin-starred restaurant will be featured in the resort. Three 18-meter-high waterfalls and an extensive water park with 15 waterslides will make the resort stand out.

Three Exclusive Wellbeing Zones

Therme Dubai will be divided into three separate areas:

Play Zone – A family-friendly space featuring fun activities for children and adults, blending entertainment with wellness.

Relax Zone – A peaceful area designed for adults, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, mineral baths, steam rooms, and spa treatments.

Restore Zone – A rejuvenation-focused space with saunas, steam rooms, and innovative wellness therapies for complete relaxation.

Therme Dubai is being developed by Therme Group, a global leader in wellbeing destinations. The resort will feature the world's largest indoor botanical garden, filled with over 200 plant species, promoting biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
The facility will also incorporate advanced sustainability measures, including water recycling systems that reuse 90% of the thermal pool water and clean energy sources to provide 80% of the resort's air conditioning needs.

It will be a place of culture beyond wellness, where artistic performances and immersive experiences take place. Therme Dubai will feature luxury spa treatments inspired by different global traditions, such as Roman and Turkish baths, Japanese hot springs, and Nordic saunas.

Sheikh Mohammed’s visit to the RTA stand at the World Governments Summit highlights Dubai’s commitment to sustainable innovation and enhancing the city's infrastructure and lifestyle offerings. Both RAILBUS and Therme Dubai are expected to contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable urban living and futuristic public transport.