The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has officially received the flag for hosting the World Summit of the International Public Transport Union (UITP) 2026 during its participation in the summit held in Hamburg, Germany.
This marks the second time that Dubai will host this significant event. Previously, it held the 59th conference and international exhibition of UITP in 2011. Additionally, the authority has signed a contract for the procurement of 637 buses equipped with Euro 6 engines, valued at 1.1 billion dirhams, which will be delivered in 2025 and 2026.
During the summit, which was attended by 1,900 members from over 100 countries and featured 300 speakers and 80 discussion sessions, the RTA delegation led by Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, showcased Dubai’s latest projects and initiatives in the field of sustainable public transport, autonomous mobility, and digital services for users. The event also included a public transport exhibition with participation from 400 specialized companies and attracted more than 10,000 visitors.
Mattar Al Tayer witnessed the opening ceremony of the summit, which was attended by Patrick Schnieder, the Federal Minister of Transportation of Germany, Dr. Anjes Tjarks, the Minister of Transport and Transition in Hamburg, and René Amilcar, the President of UITP. The speakers discussed new trends in public transportation.
Strategic Partnership
In his remarks, Mattar Al Tayer stated, “Hosting the UITP World Summit in Dubai reinforces the trust of international organizations and institutions in the emirate’s leading position and global reputation, as well as the high quality and efficiency of its integrated infrastructure, including the advanced public transport system.” He emphasized the ability of Dubai to host global events with distinction, making it a preferred destination for international gatherings.
Al Tayer highlighted the importance of participating in the summit, which serves as a global gathering for professionals in the transportation sector, where heads of agencies, legislators, developers, operators, and manufacturers discuss future public transportation solutions and showcase the latest technological advancements in public transport infrastructure. His involvement reflects the RTA’s long-standing strategic partnership with UITP, which dates back to the authority’s establishment and was highlighted by Dubai’s first-time hosting of the UITP conference and exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa in 2011. This partnership has included establishing a regional center for exceptional transportation in the MENA region and hosting five iterations of the UITP conference and exhibition in the area.
Al Tayer remarked, “Dubai’s public transport system has undergone a significant transformation, with a comprehensive infrastructure of diverse public transport means that currently serves as the backbone for the movement of residents and visitors. As a result of these efforts, the share of trips via public transport and shared mobility has increased from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024.” He added that the new buses would expand service coverage across the emirate and support the goal of converting the entire public bus fleet to electric and hydrogen buses by 2050.
During the summit, the RTA signed four agreements for the supply of 637 buses of various sizes, compliant with the European standards for low carbon emissions (Euro 6), including 40 electric buses, the largest and first of their kind in the country, which will be delivered in 2025 and 2026. The signatories included Dan Peterson, Vice President of International Buses at Volvo, Barbaros Oktay, Senior Vice President at MAN Bus, Cho Yong Ho, General Manager of Zhongtong Buses, and Murad Didooglu, International Sales Director at Anadolu Isuzu.
The RTA also signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s BYD to trial an electric bus equipped with the latest technology and batteries from the company, which will be tested in Dubai over the summer.
Agreements were signed by Ahmad Behrouzian, Executive Director of Public Transport, along with Paul Willis, Chairman of Al-Futtaim Motors, and Khalifa Saif Darwish, General Manager of the United Automotive and Heavy Equipment Company, representing MAN, as well as Medhat Shukri, CEO of Saeed Guma Naoboda Group, representing Zhongtong and Anadolu Isuzu.
Bus Specifications
The agreements include the supply of 40 electric buses, which are ‘zero-emission’, from Zhongtong, equipped with Gulf specifications, having been tested in the region. These buses will be 12 meters long, accommodating 72 passengers. The agreements also cover the delivery of 451 city buses, including 400 MAN buses, each 12 meters in length and able to carry 86 passengers, along with 51 Zhongtong buses, also 12 meters, with a capacity of 72 passengers. All buses will feature high safety and comfort standards, equipped with eco-friendly Euro 6 engines and classified as Class II by the United Nations vehicle classification, allowing flexibility for urban operation and inter-urban transport. Furthermore, the agreements include 76 double-decker buses from Volvo, measuring 13 meters long and seating 98 passengers, as well as 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu, measuring 18 meters in length and accommodating 111 passengers, aimed at serving densely populated urban areas and new areas to enhance geographic coverage in Dubai and increase ridership.
Most of the buses will be equipped with a Driver Behavior Monitoring System to track and improve driving behavior using innovative technology to enhance safety standards, alongside an Automated Passenger Counting system to track passenger numbers versus fare payment systems to minimize fare evasion, as well as a Driver Identity Authentication system linked to operational systems. Buses will also feature comfortable seating, high safety standards, adjustable seat belts for family areas to accommodate all age groups, and a modern design that showcases Dubai’s contemporary image.
Modern global specifications have been prioritized in the new buses, including low entry points for ease of access for individuals with disabilities, bike storage, child-specific seating, Wi-Fi service, charging ports for mobile devices, and smart systems, all aimed at providing the best services for public transport users through quality interiors and spacious seating.
The RTA’s delegation at this international event consisted of several executives and department directors. They showcased a number of strategic initiatives, ambitious plans, and future projects, including a model of the Dubai Walk project, illustrating the master plan for developing pedestrian pathways to transform Dubai into a year-round pedestrian-friendly city.
Mattar Al Tayer also observed the latest innovative efforts in autonomous mobility and experienced the MOIA autonomous vehicle in Hamburg.
He listened to explanations from Christian Singer, Head of Autonomous Driving at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen ADMT, regarding autonomous vehicle projects and Volkswagen Group’s plans in this field.
This visit included a live demonstration of the electric ID.Buzz AD, designed for autonomous operation (SAE Level 4), currently undergoing testing in a joint pilot project in Hamburg.
During the meeting, future cooperation prospects were discussed, including the possibility of studying the implementation of this innovative service in Dubai, supporting the RTA’s direction towards smart and sustainable mobility.