Dubai To Host UITP Public Transport Summit 2026 From April 21 To 23

Dubai is set to host the UITP Public Transport Summit from 21st to 23rd April 2026. This event highlights Dubai's global leadership in smart and sustainable mobility systems. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated that this summit is a key milestone in Dubai’s transport evolution, following its successful hosting in 2011.

The summit will be the first held in the UAE in 15 years and marks the first time it will take place outside Europe under UITP's new annual format. Renée Amilcar, President of UITP, praised Dubai for becoming a model of sustainable urban mobility. The event coincides with the 140th anniversary of the summit.

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Public and shared transport now make up 21.6% of all trips in Dubai, a significant increase from six percent in 2006. This growth reflects Dubai's ongoing investment in advanced mobility infrastructure. The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials from RTA, private sector representatives, Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary-General of UITP, and Renée Amilcar.

Al Tayer highlighted the strong partnership between RTA and UITP since RTA's inception in 2005. This collaboration has resulted in initiatives like the MENA Centre for Transport Excellence and five editions of the UITP MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition.

Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency and Chairman of the Organising Committee, emphasised that hosting this summit aligns with Dubai’s strategic vision to drive public transport innovation across the region. He noted that since hosting the summit in 2011, Dubai has made significant strides in smart mobility and public transport integration.

This progress has reinforced Dubai’s global competitiveness as a hub for excellence, sustainability, and innovation. The city continues to lead by example in developing innovative urban mobility solutions.

The upcoming summit will further solidify Dubai's position as a leader in sustainable transportation systems worldwide. It will bring together experts to discuss advancements and future directions for public transport globally.

With inputs from WAM