RTA Receives Flag To Host UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2026 In Dubai

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been granted the official flag to host the Global Public Transport Summit in 2026. This announcement was made during their participation in this year's summit held in Hamburg, Germany. Organised by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), this will be the second time Dubai hosts the event, having first done so in 2011.

RTA has also revealed plans to acquire 637 buses with Euro 6 engines, valued at AED1.1 billion. These buses are expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2026. The agreements for these buses were signed with global manufacturers like Volvo, MAN, Zhongtong Bus, and Anadolu Isuzu. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with China's BYD to trial an advanced electric bus in Dubai.

The new fleet will include various types of buses: 40 electric Zhongtong buses for 72 passengers each, 400 MAN city buses accommodating 86 passengers each, and 76 Volvo double-deckers for up to 98 passengers. There will also be 70 articulated buses from Anadolu Isuzu capable of carrying 111 passengers each. All these vehicles meet Euro 6 standards and offer features like low-floor boarding, Wi-Fi, smart fare systems, and driver authentication technologies.

During the summit, RTA showcased its latest projects in autonomous mobility and sustainable transport. The exhibition featured major transport initiatives such as Dubai Walk with its extensive pedestrian pathways and the solar-powered RAILBUS. Other highlights included the Aerial Taxi project set for launch in 2026 and a biometric palm-print fare system for Dubai Metro.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of RTA's Board of Executive Directors, stated that hosting the summit again underscores international confidence in Dubai’s infrastructure and public transport systems. He emphasised that RTA's involvement is part of a strategic partnership with UITP that began with Dubai hosting the summit in 2011.

The event saw participation from over 1,900 members representing more than 100 countries. It featured discussions on sustainable and smart mobility led by around 300 speakers across 80 panels. Alongside these discussions was a transport exhibition attended by over 10,000 visitors and featuring exhibits from about 400 companies.

Sustainable Mobility Initiatives

Al Tayer highlighted that Dubai’s public transport share increased from six percent in 2006 to over twenty-one percent by 2024. The new bus acquisitions aim to support geographic expansion while advancing efforts towards a fully electric and hydrogen-powered fleet by mid-century.

RTA's stand at the exhibition highlighted significant projects such as a planned metro line extension and innovations like a live demonstration of Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz AD vehicle undergoing pilot tests in Hamburg. Discussions also explored future collaborations including deploying MOIA autonomous shuttles in Dubai as part of RTA’s smart mobility strategy.

Al Tayer toured various exhibits including those from Hamburg, BYD, MAN, and Volkswagen where he received insights into Volkswagen’s global strategy for autonomous mobility from Christian Senger.

The agreements signed during this event mark significant steps towards enhancing Dubai's public transportation network while aligning with global sustainability goals through innovative solutions.

With inputs from WAM