Khaberni - The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai revealed that the government of the emirate invested 175 billion dirhams, to develop the infrastructure of the road network and transportation system in Dubai over the past two decades.
During the celebration organized by the authority on the occasion of its twentieth anniversary attended by executive directors, department managers, and employees, the authority reviewed its efforts and achievements and discussed five main areas that it will focus on in the coming years, including attracting talented individuals with future skills, and training national talents in fields of artificial intelligence, data analysis, and autonomous transport systems.
Mattar Al Tayer, the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Authority, confirmed that, thanks to the directions and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai (may God protect him), and under the supervision and follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, President of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Authority was able to complete an integrated infrastructure of a road network and a mass transport system that enhanced Dubai's global competitiveness and improved the quality of life in the emirate, making Dubai the best city to live in the world.
He praised the efforts of the male and female employees who embodied the spirit of one team in transforming visions into quality achievements that enhanced Dubai's global leadership and added that during the past two decades, the Authority completed strategic projects that changed the landscape in the emirate, notably the Dubai Metro and Tram projects, totaling 100 kilometers, and a road network rated as the best in the world with a length of over 25,000 kilometers-lane, accommodating more than 3.5 million vehicles per day, and bicycle paths extending more than 560 kilometers, while the number of vehicle bridges and tunnels increased from 129 in 2006 to 1050 by the end of 2024, and the number of pedestrian bridges and tunnels increased from only 26 in 2006 to 177 in 2024 (including metro and tram bridges and tunnels), in addition to providing a fleet of more than 1300 buses equipped with the latest technologies and international specifications, and taxi and limousine vehicles exceeding 31,000 vehicles, alongside more than 130 continuously evolving smart digital services to meet the needs of residents and visitors.
He confirmed that the major development in mass transit has led to an increase in the number of passengers from 220 million in 2006 to more than 747 million passengers in 2024, with an average of more than two million passengers daily, and the proportion of mass transit trips in the mobility of residents increased from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024.
He explained that a study on the economic impact of establishing the Authority, conducted by the global firm McKinsey, revealed that over twenty years, the Authority’s projects generated revenues worth 150 billion dirhams, in addition to reducing fuel and time costs by an equivalent of 319 billion dirhams, with the Authority’s contribution to the emirate's gross domestic product over 20 years reaching 156 billion dirhams, and the increase in property values resulting from the road and transport projects reaching a value of 158 billion dirhams, an increase of about 16%, with the expected internal rate of return on the Authority’s investment projects reaching 5%.
He mentioned that the Authority developed its systems and services according to the best international practices over the past two decades, and its efforts and accumulated expertise enabled its activities to grow and transform into companies listed on the Dubai Financial Market, with the establishment of four commercial companies whose market value exceeds 80 billion dirhams, namely Salik, Parkn, Dubai Taxi, and Mada Media.
He confirmed that the coming years will witness the completion of quality projects, notably the Blue Line project of Dubai Metro, spanning 30 km and including 14 stations, three of which are transition stations, including the largest transition station of the metro network covering an area of more than 44,000 square meters, serving six vital areas, with a population estimated at one million by 2040, and the development of Dubai Walk pedestrian pathways, which will contribute to transforming Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city year-round, in addition to implementing strategic road projects that enhance the fluidity and connection of various regions of the emirate with high efficiency, including the development projects of Umm Suqeim, Al Wasl, Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road.
He also noted that Dubai is preparing for a new phase of sustainable mobility in 2026, through two global events, namely the operation of self-driving taxis, and the launch of an aerial taxi service that will enhance Dubai's global leadership in the field of future mobility.
He expressed his gratitude to the strategic partners from governmental and private sector entities, for their efforts and cooperation with the Authority throughout its journey.
The celebration included a film presentation documenting the Authority's journey of achievements over the past two decades, followed by Mattar Al Tayer honoring the founding employees who contributed with their dedication over the past twenty years.
During the celebration, a commemorative edition of the "Nol" card and a commemorative coin were launched, specifically designed to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of the Authority.
A comprehensive study conducted by the global firm "McKinsey", concurrently with the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of its establishment, revealed that the total investments of the Authority in the development projects of the road network and transport infrastructure since 2005 until this year amounted to about 175 billion dirhams, achieving cumulative revenues of 150 billion dirhams, including 18 billion dirhams from financial returns from listing companies on the Dubai Financial Market, and it is expected that the cash returns of the Authority will exceed 254 billion dirhams by 2050.
