Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced its plan to add 637 eco-friendly buses to its fleet following the signing of an AED 1.1 billion agreement during the UITP Global Public Transport Summit. This deal underscores the RTA’s dedication to enhancing public transportation while contributing to Dubai’s sustainability goals.

Credit: WAM

The new buses will comply with the European “Euro 6” low-emission standards, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to transitioning to a completely electric and hydrogen-powered public bus fleet by the year 2050. Deliveries of these buses are expected to take place in 2025 and 2026, and the order includes 40 electric buses, which is noted as the country’s largest and first-of-its-kind order.

In addition to the bus acquisition, the RTA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Build Your Dreams (BYD) to test electric buses in Dubai. These electric buses will incorporate the latest battery systems and technologies developed by BYD, highlighting a significant step towards modernizing the city’s public transport options.