Dubai launches Commercial and Logistics Land Transport Strategy 2030

Dubai has unveiled the details of its Commercial and Logistics Land Transport Strategy 2030.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently shared what the strategy entails.

Approved by the Dubai Executive Council, the strategy aims to significantly boost the emirate’s economy. The plan will double the direct contribution of the land transport and logistics sector to Dhs16.8bn, increasing technology adoption in infrastructure by 75 per cent, reducing carbon emissions by 30 per cent, and improving operational efficiency by 10 per cent.

The strategy focuses on regulating and governing the commercial transport sector, identifying developmental and innovative opportunities, and ensuring that sector objectives, legislation, and policies are incorporated into various projects and programs.

It also aims to explore investment and partnership prospects with the private sector.

Commercial transport: A growing sector

The commercial transport sector in Dubai is experiencing significant growth, largely driven by the expansion of e-commerce. Dubai’s central role as a logistics hub has bolstered this growth, with 351,000 registered commercial vehicles and 9,699 companies.

Over the past five years, the sector has seen a compound annual growth rate of 34 per cent, contributing Dhs8.5bn to Dubai’s economy in 2021 and accounting for 3 per cent of GDP in 2022. The sector has also created approximately 242,000 jobs.

“The new strategy aligns with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It aims to enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness as a leading financial, business, and economic hub and support the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to position Dubai as one of the top three economic cities in the world,” said Al Tayer.

Strategy developed with strategic partners and stakeholders

Developed in collaboration with strategic partners, private businesses, distributors, and retailers, the plan incorporates international best practices to enhance sector competitiveness. The key objectives include cost efficiency by measuring the total cost per km, adopting modern technology, and achieving safety and security by reducing accident fatalities.

The ambitious strategy outlines 17 projects aimed at enhancing sector growth and competitiveness through digital markets and platforms.

These include developing digital platforms for the sector, issuing value-added permits, no objection certificates, a heavy freight services platform, driver behaviour monitoring, an aftermarket platform, a construction equipment rental platform, a road freight data centre, and updates to truck fleets.

Future projects include implementing tachographs for heavy trucks, providing autonomous vehicles and towing trucks, establishing a commercial transport and logistics forum, joining relevant international federations, and creating a National Committee for Small Vehicles.

Dubai’s commercial transport and logistics strategy aligns with six specialised strategies: the Traffic Safety Strategy, the Self-Driving Transport Mobility Strategy, the Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy, the Asset Strategy, the Investment Strategy, and the Digitisation Strategy.