Dubai’s traffic signal upgrade: New AI system cuts delays by up to 37%

Image credit: Dubai Media Office/ Website

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed Phase 1 of its ambitious project to upgrade the city’s central traffic signal control system to the next-generation ‘UTC-UX Fusion’. The newly implemented system has already improved traffic efficiency across key intersections by 16 per cent to 37 per cent, a major leap forward in the emirate’s efforts to become a global leader in smart mobility.

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According to the Dubai Media Office, the project is a core part of RTA’s mission to deploy advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and digital twin simulations, to optimise road usage and enhance the commuter experience.

AI, digital twin technology power real-time adjustments

The new system uses smart capabilities to detect congestion patterns in real time and make proactive adjustments. By simulating various traffic scenarios before deploying changes in the field, the RTA is able to implement more effective signal timing strategies. This has led to a significant reduction in waiting times, improved coordination between intersections, and smoother traffic flows, particularly on major corridors.

“Travel times have improved by 10 per cent to 20 per cent overall,” said Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at RTA. “Some intersections, such as those on Jumeirah Street, saw efficiency gains of up to 37 per cent, while Al Badaa Street improved by 29.4 per cent, Kuwait Street by 16.9 per cent, and Omar Bin Al Khattab Street by 16.4 per cent.”

Full rollout to cover 300 Intersections by 2026

Phase 1 is just the beginning. The full upgrade, spanning approximately 300 intersections across Dubai, is expected to be completed by Q3 2026. The system will support multimodal transport, including private vehicles, public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists. It is also designed to integrate with V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) technologies and smart devices, enabling highly precise traffic monitoring and analysis.

By prioritising emergency vehicles, public transport, and sustainable travel modes, the RTA is not just reducing congestion, it’s reimagining urban mobility in line with Dubai’s Smart City Vision.