From Etihad Rail to Flying Taxis: Six Futuristic Transport Projects Set to Transform Dubai

  • 20/04/2025

Dubai is preparing to revolutionize its transportation landscape with six ambitious projects that are expected to reshape both daily commuting and long-distance travel across the UAE. Experts believe these futuristic initiatives will bring major advancements to the country’s public transport infrastructure.

  1. Dubai Metro Blue Line
    Scheduled to open on September 9, 2029, the highly anticipated Blue Line will add 30 kilometers of new track and 14 stations to the city’s expanding metro network. It will connect key locations such as Dubai International Airport, Academic City, and Dubai Silicon Oasis. Once complete, the total number of metro and tram stations will increase from 64 to 78.

  2. Rail Bus: A Solar-Powered Ride to the Future
    Unveiled at the World Government Summit, the futuristic Rail Bus combines the features of a train and a bus. Powered entirely by solar energy, it can accommodate up to 40 passengers and travel at speeds up to 100 km/h. Developed in collaboration with Rail Bus Incorporated, the vehicle offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective urban mobility solution.

  3. Trackless Trams
    Dubai is also gearing up to launch trackless trams that operate using electric power and virtual tracks. These trams follow camera-guided lines painted on the roads, eliminating the need for physical tracks. Each three-car tram can carry up to 300 passengers and travel at speeds between 25 and 60 km/h. Studies are ongoing to expand them to eight major city areas.

  4. Driverless Taxis by 2026
    Self-driving taxis are set to begin test runs in Dubai by the end of this year, with full implementation expected in 2026. Initially, a driver will be present during trials. The project is part of the RTA's partnership with companies like Uber, WeRide, and Baidu and will operate under the autonomous mobility platform Apollo Go.

  5. Air Taxis to Launch by Late 2025
    Air taxis are expected to take off in Dubai by December 2025. Joby Aviation has already unveiled a prototype of the fully electric aircraft, which supports the city’s goal of making 25% of all transportation self-driving by 2030. Air corridors and regulations are currently being established to support piloted and autonomous air mobility, including cargo drones.

  6. Etihad Rail
    One of the UAE’s most ambitious projects, the Etihad Rail will link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes with a high-speed train traveling at 350 km/h. Over the next five decades, the project is projected to contribute AED 145 billion to the UAE’s GDP.

These transformative projects mark a new era of smart, sustainable, and efficient mobility for Dubai and the UAE.

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