The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that its Public Transport Strategy for 2050 has yielded significant improvements. These include a 33% enhancement in diesel efficiency for public transport buses, an 8% improvement in energy efficiency for street lighting, and a 2% reduction in overall electricity consumption. Furthermore, the strategy has facilitated the processing of 88% of waste that was previously headed for landfills, with 66% being recycled and 22% being reused.
These results follow nearly two years since the launch of the strategy, specifically in 2023, positioning the RTA as the first entity in the Middle East to implement a long-term strategy aimed at achieving net-zero emissions in public transportation by 2050. The strategy’s objectives focus on reducing negative impacts of climate change and lowering the carbon footprint across all activities, structured around three main areas: public transport, associated buildings and facilities, and waste management.
This strategy aligns with the country’s aim of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, marking a shift from promises to tangible outcomes. It is part of the RTA’s efforts to enhance sustainability practices in urban transport and to establish global leadership in accessible and sustainable mobility, while also improving the resilience of public transport infrastructure against climate change.
The Public Transport Strategy for 2050 supports the economic agenda D33, which seeks to bolster Dubai’s status as one of the largest urban economies in the world. The strategy aims to achieve several milestones during its implementation, including converting all taxis, limousines, and public buses to zero-emission vehicles and developing nearly zero-energy buildings. Additionally, the strategy targets the use of clean energy sources, aims for zero waste to landfills, and seeks to reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 10 million tons, resulting in financial savings of approximately 3.3 billion dirhams compared to traditional operations.
Focus Areas
The RTA is committed to achieving the targeted goals over the coming years to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 across three focus areas: “green mass transit, building and facility management, and waste management.” The plan includes converting 10% of public transport buses to electric and hydrogen models by 2030, with a goal of complete conversion by 2050. Additionally, 30% of taxis and limousines in Dubai are expected to switch to electric and hydrogen vehicles by 2030, with a target of 100% transition by 2040.
For school buses operated by Dubai Taxi Corporation, the plan aims to convert 10% of these buses to electric and hydrogen by 2030, achieving full conversion by 2050. The strategy also targets that 74% of existing buildings will meet energy efficiency standards by 2030, reaching 100% by 2045. Furthermore, new buildings will be constructed to near-zero energy standards starting this year, and the authority will upgrade existing street lighting to 100% energy-efficient solutions, ensuring that all new projects adhere to this standard.