From aerial taxis to smart streetlights: Dubai’s RTA green lights Dhs2.5bn in deals

Ten projects, worth a combined Dh2.5bn, have been given the green light by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) as part of a new set of public-private partnership developments for 2024-2026. 

Over the years, the RTA has moved forward on several public-private partnerships which have helped boost mobility in the city. Examples of these include the ‘Careem Bike Share’ network as well as securing international operators for the Dubai Metro and Tram, among many more.

Just some of the new key public-private partnership projects that have been approved include:

• The ‘Union 71’ project, a comprehensive residential and commercial complex adjacent to the Union Station of the Dubai Metro, a key interchange station between the Red and Green Lines. This urban transit-oriented development project integrates commercial residential units and retail outlets with the underground metro station. With its proximity and accessibility to the metro, public buses, and marine transport stations, the project will serve and ease the mobility of mass transport riders from all spectrums of the community.
• A multi-level parking terminal in Port Saeed Al Karama, Deira Plaza
• Smart street lighting; 
• Aerial taxis; 
• Smart platforms for transport and rental vehicles; 

Mattar Al Tayer, who is the director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors at the RTA, said: “The endorsement of the Public-Private Partnership Portfolio stems from RTA’s commitment to enhancing partnership with the private sector and adopting top international practices.” 

“It seeks to map out a comprehensive framework to support public-private partnerships, improve the regulatory environment for long-term collaborations, introduce innovative solutions, and create new opportunities in the mobility and finance fields,” Al Tayer said.