Smart Mobility In The UAE: Start-ups Accelerate Multimodal Transport Across Dubai And Abu Dhabi

The UAE continues to build a modern transport ecosystem, where public networks and smart mobility solutions operate side by side. Electric scooters and bicycles now link residents and visitors to key destinations, offering short, low-cost journeys that support public transport and align with national goals for safer, cleaner and more efficient urban movement.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai regulate these services through licensing systems, safety campaigns and dedicated tracks. App-based rental operators receive permits to serve specific districts, while users must follow traffic rules and signage. This mix of regulation and infrastructure aims to keep journeys safe, convenient and accessible for different community groups.

Across the country, smart mobility solutions such as e-scooters and bicycles connect bus stops with residential, commercial, service and leisure zones. These modes suit daily trips for work, study or recreation. They are seen as easy to use, affordable and environmentally friendly, helping reduce short car journeys and easing pressure on road networks.

Electric bikes and scooters are usually unlocked and paid for through smartphone applications operated by private companies. Each vehicle carries a QR code that users scan to begin their ride. The apps help riders find the nearest device, check battery levels and end trips correctly, while also presenting usage instructions and safety reminders.

The UAE has prepared infrastructure and regulations to attract startups into this transport ecosystem. Clear requirements for safe operations, along with designated operating zones, give companies confidence to invest. This approach benefits from the country’s favourable business climate, which welcomes both local and international founders looking to expand innovative mobility and logistics services.

Many companies now compete to provide smart mobility solutions across UAE cities, responding to rising public demand. Notable brands include Careem, Uber, Tier, Lime, FENIX, Skurrt and Arnab, alongside other regional and global startups. These firms use technology platforms to manage fleets, monitor usage patterns and coordinate maintenance while offering flexible options for riders.

Smart mobility solutions and entrepreneurial success stories

The World’s Coolest Winter campaign, themed "Our Winter Is Entrepreneurial," places these innovations within a wider tourism and business story. The campaign highlights how the UAE supports startups, strengthens their local roots and encourages regional and global expansion. Tourism projects and mobility solutions are presented together as part of an integrated visitor and resident experience.

Several operators have used the UAE as a launchpad for wider international growth. Some began in the country and scaled abroad, while others entered the UAE as a strategic step into the Middle East. Success has often been linked to supportive regulation, strong digital infrastructure and a customer base ready to adopt app-based transport systems.

One widely known example is Careem, founded in Dubai in 2012 as a startup focused on delivery services through its website and mobile apps. Within a short period, Careem achieved a series of business milestones. In 2019, Uber acquired Careem for US$3.1 billion, underlining Dubai’s role as a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Another case is Arnab, a UAE-based startup and the first micro-mobility company in the country to integrate multimodal transport systems. Arnab targets both the UAE and the wider Middle East and North Africa region. Its services align with smart city goals that seek better connectivity and a prosperous urban environment built on sustainable, accessible mobility.

Arnab Mobility operates a shared platform for light electric vehicles such as e-scooters and e-bikes. The system combines digital and on-ground assets to link people and destinations across the MENA region. Customers can choose scooters for short trips and make seamless payments through their smartphones, with operations designed to be simple, safe and cost-effective.

Smart mobility solutions from global operators and new technologies

FENIX, an international company, introduced a shared electric bike rental service in the UAE in late 2021. Electric bikes joined the firm’s wider portfolio, which already included shared e-scooters and a private e-scooter subscription product called My FENIX. These services provide extra choice for riders who prefer different speeds, distances or comfort levels.

Tier is identified as one of the global operators using swappable battery technology for its scooter fleets. This method allows batteries to be replaced on-site by local teams rather than moving scooters to warehouses each day for charging. The approach supports more efficient operations and helps keep more devices available on streets for users.

Smart mobility solutions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Abu Dhabi started issuing licences for app-based scooter rental companies in 2019. At the same time, authorities launched awareness campaigns on the safe use of bikes and electric scooters. Residents and visitors were encouraged to follow safety requirements, wear protective gear where advised and respect traffic signs and designated riding areas.

By 2023, eight main zones in Abu Dhabi were formally approved for scooter use and rental. These include Al Reem Island, Masdar City, Yas Island, the Corniche, Khalifa City and several corridors on Abu Dhabi Island and nearby districts, such as Hamdan Street, Falah Street, Sheikhbout Street and Al Raha Beach.

Abu Dhabi also aims to expand its cycling network beyond 3,000 kilometres by 2026. This planned growth reflects a long-term strategy to encourage everyday cycling. Longer and better-connected bike lanes are expected to support commuting, fitness and leisure, while linking residential neighbourhoods with workplaces, parks, coastal areas and public transport nodes.

Dubai introduced an electric scooter project on a trial basis in 2020. After testing and evaluation, the first official phase began operating in 2022 across 10 designated areas and specified cycling tracks. The project fits within wider city plans that promote individual mobility, road safety and reduced emissions from short urban journeys.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority launched an online portal on its website that issues free permits for scooter use in approved locations. Users apply digitally and, once approved, can ride in specified areas and on marked routes. This system helps authorities track adoption levels and supports enforcement of safety and traffic regulations.

RTA figures show that shared e-scooter trips in Dubai doubled in 2022, reaching more than one million rides, compared with about 500,000 trips in 2021. No fatalities or serious injuries were recorded. The authority has also developed high-standard e-scooter tracks that connect popular attractions with high-demand districts and nearby public transport stations.

In 2025, RTA introduced a smart assessment system for cycling and e-scooter tracks and related assets. The system uses advanced technologies to analyse track condition and performance. The aim is to improve maintenance planning, raise safety levels and enhance overall user experience for flexible mobility solutions across Dubai’s expanding cycling and scooter networks.

Bicycles have become one of Dubai’s leading individual mobility choices, used by residents and tourists alike. Expanding cycle routes now run through key tourist and commercial areas and link to metro, tram and bus stations. These links support the emirate’s tourism and economic profile by making it easier to explore districts without relying solely on cars.

With inputs from WAM