Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reduced its total number of vehicle licensing services from 54 to 14, marking a 74 per cent reduction in services as part of a major effort to enhance operational efficiency and deliver a seamless digital experience to customers.

Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA, said the consolidation is part of the authority’s ‘360 Comprehensive Services’ plan, an integrated approach designed to align with Dubai’s strategic objectives of delivering streamlined and personalised government services.

“This step is part of the ‘360 Comprehensive Services’ plan – a new, integrated vision built on a holistic methodology that targets key areas and efficiently supports Dubai’s strategic goals of delivering seamless, proactive, and personalised services that meet rising expectations and evolving needs,” said Mahboob.

“The initiative also aligns with the rollout of multiple services via the unified ‘Dubai Now’ app, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring greater integration with other government platforms,” he added.

Mahboob added that the RTA remains committed to establishing Dubai as a global benchmark for smart and sustainable transport systems, and to improving its standing in government service excellence.

“This also aligns with efforts to elevate Dubai’s standing in government service excellence and advance its ambition to become the world’s most digitally advanced city,” he said.

Read: RTA makes vehicle inspection appointments mandatory from June 2

Simplified customer journeys with cut in vehicle licensing services

The reengineering of vehicle licensing procedures has simplified customer journeys, reduced the number of steps and physical visits required, and cut processing times, according to the RTA.

The reforms aim to raise service standards for both individuals and corporate clients, aligning with top international benchmarks.

The initiative is supported by advanced technologies and deeper integration of data between local and federal entities.

A key feature includes the introduction of electronic signatures via UAE Pass, enabling full digital access to RTA services through a unified platform.

Among the services streamlined is the Request for Vehicle Registration Certificate, which previously required 13 separate service requests but has now been consolidated into a single digital transaction.

Additionally, six services related to vehicle export and transfer have been merged under a new unified service named ‘Vehicle Registration Cancellation’, and several service titles have been revised for clarity and simplicity.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, announced an order for 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft during the 55th annual Paris Air Show, marking a major step forward in the kingdom’s ambitious aviation expansion.

The agreement includes 25 firm orders with options for an additional 25 aircraft.

The signing ceremony took place at Le Bourget Airport and was attended by senior officials including PIF governor and Riyadh Air chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air CFO Adam Boukadida, Airbus EVP for Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, and Airbus CEO of Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer.

“Our new national carrier is set to launch in the near future and represents a key component of the kingdom’s infrastructure,” said Al-Rumayyan. “It will connect Riyadh to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.” He added that the A350-1000 acquisition reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global aviation hub.

Riyadh Air aims to enhance international connectivity with top in class fleet

Riyadh Air is expected to redefine the passenger experience with advanced digital features, cutting-edge cabin design, and next-generation onboard entertainment and connectivity.

The airline’s vision is to offer best-in-class service while playing a strategic role in economic diversification, in line with PIF’s strategy to unlock high-growth sectors.

The launch of Riyadh Air is a key enabler of the National Aviation Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy, which aim to enhance international connectivity, boost Riyadh’s standing as a global business destination, expand air cargo capacity, and support the kingdom’s growing tourism sector by increasing access to cultural and natural attractions.

The A350-1000s, Airbus’ largest and most modern wide-body aircraft, will support Riyadh Air’s long-haul network and global ambitions.

In other news, earlier this month, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM signed a MoU, marking a significant step forward in global connectivity for guests traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and destinations far beyond.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the collaboration aims to gradually introduce a wide range of benefits for guests and to unlock new opportunities across Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Saudi Arabia.

The UAE has officially declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a paid public holiday for the Islamic New Year — giving residents across the country a welcome long weekend.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced on Monday that the private sector would observe the day off, following an earlier confirmation from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources for public sector employees.

The holiday marks the beginning of the Islamic year 1447 AH and commemorates the Hijrah — the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE — a defining moment that signifies the start of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Though the Islamic New Year, or Ra’s As-Sanah Al-Hijriyah, is not traditionally celebrated with the same prominence as Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, it remains a significant spiritual occasion and is recognised as an official public holiday in the UAE.

With the day falling on a Friday, many in the country will enjoy an extended weekend.

Looking ahead, the next expected public holiday will be Mawlid Al Nabawi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), likely to fall on Thursday, 4 September 2025 — subject to official moon-sighting confirmation.

The UAE’s final public holidays for the year will be Commemoration Day and National Day, observed on 2 and 3 December respectively.