UAE urban mobility shifts with toll hikes, metro growth, and car-free zones

Urban mobility in the UAE is undergoing a major transformation, driven by policy shifts, infrastructure investment, and sustainability goals. From new toll charges to expanding metro networks and the development of car-free districts, the country is rethinking how people move within its rapidly growing cities. These initiatives aim to cut congestion, reduce emissions, and align with national strategies to create smarter, more livable environments.

1. Toll reform: Pricing as a tool for mobility management

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are increasingly relying on dynamic toll schemes to influence commuter behavior.

Dubai’s dynamic Salik system

• Variable pricing, introduced in January 2025, charges Dhs6 during morning (6–10 AM) and evening (4–8 PM) rush hours, with off-peak rates at Dhs4. Free travel is available from 1 AM to 6 AM, and Sundays are uniformly Dhs4 throughout the day.

• This system led to a 9 per cent reduction in traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road, according to authorities.

• Coupled with dynamic parking tariffs, traffic dropped further, while public transport usage improved by an additional 1–4 per cent.

Abu Dhabi’s extended Darb toll hours

• From September 1, 2025, Abu Dhabi will extend Darb toll operating hours by two hours daily and remove daily and monthly fee caps, amplifying its influence on commuter habits.

These pricing strategies serve as powerful tools to steer drivers toward public transit and incentivise off-peak travel—a shift essential for urban sustainability.

2. Metro expansions: Fueling seamless connectivity

Dubai Metro innovations

• The existing Dubai Metro spans nearly 90 km, with 55 stations—35 on the Red Line and 20 on the Green Line. It’s fully automated, climate-controlled, and vital to city mobility.

• A new Blue Line, under construction, will add 30 km and 14 stations, expected to launch by September 2029.

• Metro station counts are projected to grow from 64 in 2025 to 96 by 2030, with broader expansions anticipated beyond 2040.

Nationwide rail integration: Etihad Rail

• The Etihad Rail system, set to start passenger service in 2026, will integrate with Dubai’s metro, bus, and taxi networks under the NOL unified ticketing system.

• Beyond enhancing convenience, it will serve cargo and reduce reliance on road freight—reducing CO₂ emissions and road congestion meaningfully.

These expansions aim to create a cohesive, accessible network—encouraging modal shift and underpinning economic flows across the Emirates.

3. Car-free zones and ‘Soft Mobility’: Rethinking urban zones

While infrastructure grows, UAE cities are also championing car-free spaces and soft mobility.

Expanded cycling and pedestrian infrastructure

• Since 2006, Dubai increased its network from 9 km to 544 km of dedicated cycling tracks, aiming for 1,000 km by 2030. These connect coastal zones like Jumeirah with inland communities such as Dubai Hills, and aligning with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan to create a more bicycle-friendly and sustainable city.

• As part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Dubai Walk Master Plan has been approved to transform the emirate into a pedestrian-friendly city. The initiative will deliver a 6,500 km network of modern walkways spanning 160 areas, including 3,300 km of new walkways and the rehabilitation of 2,300 km of existing paths. The plan aims to boost pedestrian and soft mobility across the city, raising its share of overall transport from 13% today to 25% by 2040, supporting Dubai’s vision of enhancing quality of life and sustainability.

Urban enhancements and driverless vehicles

• The UAE, through the RTA, is exploring advanced transport systems, including elevated, driverless Sky Pods.

• The Dubai Loop, unveiled in February 2025, will have a 17 km underground tunnel system transporting up to 20,000 passengers/hr, seamlessly linked to the metro. Developed in collaboration with The Boring Company, the system will leverage sustainable, innovative technologies to deliver safe and efficient passenger transport. The company’s Loop system has already carried more than two million passengers in Las Vegas since its launch in 2021.

• Masdar City in Abu Dhabi restricts private vehicles to peripheral parking, relying on autonomous shuttles and electric transport within a compact, pedestrian-first environment.

These innovations showcase a deliberate shift from car-dependent paradigms toward novel, sustainable mobility ecosystems.

4. Business impacts: What this means for employers and investors

Shifting commuting patterns

• Toll hikes and metro connectivity incentivise commuters to shift away from solitary car commuting. Businesses may need to adjust work hours or sponsor pooled transportation to support employees and manage operational costs.

Growing need for intermodal infrastructure

• As metro expansions and Etihad Rail roll out, businesses should anticipate logistics recalibration, last-mile services, and potential for regional hubs near transit nodes.

Sustainability and ESG alignment

• These mobility shifts align closely with corporate ESG goals, offering avenues to reduce Scope 3 emissions by promoting shared and electric transport options.

5. Strategic outlook: From policy to mobility culture

A behavioral pivot for commuters

• Toll strategies and extended metro hours (especially during summer) are nudging a cultural shift toward off-peak travel and public transport reliance.

Balancing infrastructure with innovation

• UAE authorities are pairing traditional infrastructure—roads, metro lines—with cutting-edge transit models like Sky Pods and underground loops to preempt congestion.

Toward the 20-minute city vision

• The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan places strong emphasis on the value of time in daily life, recognising that efficient commuting and easy access to essential services are central to improving quality of life and overall wellbeing. As part of this vision, the city will feature integrated service centres designed to ensure residents can access key facilities and destinations within 20 minutes, either on foot or by bicycle. The strategy supports sustainable pedestrian, cycling, and public transport mobility across Dubai. The plan also aims to position 55 per cent of residents within 800 metres of mass transit stations, enabling them to meet 80 per cent of their daily needs and reach essential destinations quickly and sustainably.

UAE cities are undergoing a transportation renaissance. Toll reforms, metro expansions, and pedestrian-first innovations are laying the groundwork for smarter, sustainable, and more efficient urban mobility. For businesses, this means adapting to evolving commuting trends, tapping into new development potential, and aligning operations with environmental and societal imperatives. In this era of mobility transformation, proactive strategies will be essential for staying competitive—and contributing to the UAE’s urban future.