What happened?
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that public transport, taxis and shared mobility services recorded 348.1 million passenger journeys between January and June 2026.

Who is affected?
Residents, commuters, tourists and businesses that rely on Dubai’s expanding transport network.

Why does it matter?
The figures show increasing public transport use as Dubai continues investing in new Metro lines, electric buses, driverless taxis and future air taxi services.

At a Glance

• Location: Dubai, UAE
• Organisation: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
• Status: Passenger figures released for January–June 2026
• Who is affected: Residents, visitors, daily commuters and businesses
• Business impact: Improved connectivity supports tourism, employment and economic growth
• What’s next: Metro expansion, more electric buses, driverless taxis and commercial air taxis

Dubai public transport recorded 348.1 million passenger trips during the first six months of 2026, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The figures include journeys made on the Dubai Metro, buses, taxis, Dubai Tram, marine transport and shared mobility services. With average daily ridership approaching 1.9 million passengers, the latest data reflects the city’s continued investment in sustainable transport while supporting population growth, tourism and Dubai’s long-term mobility strategy.

Dubai Metro remained the city’s busiest transport service

The Dubai Metro continued to dominate public transport usage, carrying 136.5 million passengers during the first half of the year. That represents 39.2% of all public transport and shared mobility journeys across the emirate.

Taxis ranked second with 88.9 million passengers, accounting for 25.5% of total ridership, while Dubai’s public bus network transported 85.1 million passengers, representing 24.4%.

Together, the Metro, taxis and buses handled nearly nine out of every ten journeys made using Dubai’s public transport system.

Meanwhile:

• Shared mobility services recorded 25.7 million passengers
• Marine transport carried 8.1 million passengers
• Dubai Tram served 3.8 million passengers
• Limousine services transported an additional 5.7 million passengers

According to the RTA, January recorded the busiest month, with 73.4 million passenger trips, while monthly ridership remained consistently high throughout the first half of the year.

Which Metro stations were the busiest in Dubai?

The RTA also revealed the busiest Metro stations during the first six months of 2026.

Among interchange stations:

• BurJuman welcomed 8.4 million passengers
• Union Station followed with 6.5 million passengers

On the Red Line, the busiest stations were:

• Al Rigga – 6.4 million
• Mall of the Emirates – 5.2 million
• Business Bay – 5 million

On the Green Line, the highest passenger numbers were recorded at:

• Sharaf DG – 4.9 million
• Baniyas Square – 3.8 million
• Stadium – approximately 3.7 million

These stations continue to serve some of Dubai’s busiest residential, commercial and retail districts, reflecting changing travel patterns across the city.

RTA continues expanding Dubai’s transport network

The latest passenger figures come as Dubai continues investing heavily in its transport infrastructure.

One of the biggest projects is the recently approved Dubai Metro Gold Line, which will stretch approximately 42 kilometres across the city with 18 stations. The project is expected to cost around AED34 billion and will become Dubai’s first fully underground Metro line.

The Gold Line will connect with the existing Red Line, Green Line and the future Etihad Rail network, further improving connectivity across the emirate.

Construction is also progressing on the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a 30-kilometre route with 14 stations designed to serve nine districts and around one million residents. Once completed, the Blue Line is expected to reduce road congestion while supporting several growing communities.

Cleaner buses and smarter transport are shaping Dubai’s future

The RTA is also modernising Dubai’s bus fleet as part of its sustainability goals.

The authority has begun introducing 637 Euro 6 low-emission buses, including 40 fully electric buses—currently the largest deployment of electric buses in the UAE.

This supports Dubai’s wider objective of converting its entire public bus fleet to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2050, helping reduce emissions while improving the overall passenger experience.

Alongside cleaner buses, the RTA continues enhancing first- and last-mile connectivity through cycling tracks, pedestrian infrastructure, shared mobility services and intelligent traffic systems.

These improvements are designed to make public transport more convenient for residents while reducing dependence on private vehicles.

Driverless taxis and air taxis are moving closer to reality

Dubai’s transport transformation extends beyond traditional public transport.

According to the RTA, driverless taxis have already entered phased operations, while preparations continue for the launch of commercial air taxi services before the end of 2026.

The authority is also progressing with the Dubai Loop project and expanding integrated transport solutions that connect Metro stations with buses, taxis, cycling routes and shared mobility options.

These initiatives support Dubai’s ambition of becoming one of the world’s smartest and most connected cities.

Why It Matters

The latest figures highlight more than growing passenger numbers.

For UAE residents, improved public transport means:

• Faster and more reliable daily commuting
• Better connectivity between residential and business districts
• Reduced road congestion over time
• Greater access to sustainable transport options
• Continued investment supporting Dubai’s economic growth and tourism sector

The RTA aims to increase the share of journeys made using public transport and shared mobility from 22.3% in 2025 to 25% by 2030, supporting both the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

FAQs

How many people used Dubai public transport in the first half of 2026?

According to the RTA, public transport, taxis and shared mobility services recorded 348.1 million passenger journeys between January and June 2026.

Which transport service had the highest number of passengers?

Dubai Metro remained the busiest service, carrying 136.5 million passengers during the first six months of 2026.

Which Metro station was the busiest?

BurJuman was the busiest interchange station with 8.4 million passengers.

What new transport projects are coming to Dubai?

The RTA is developing the Metro Gold Line, Metro Blue Line, introducing more electric buses, expanding driverless taxis and preparing for commercial air taxi services.

Why is Dubai investing in public transport?

The investment supports sustainable mobility, reduces traffic congestion, accommodates population growth and contributes to Dubai’s long-term economic and environmental goals.

Dubai’s latest transport figures demonstrate how public transport continues to play an increasingly important role in everyday life across the emirate. With Metro expansion, cleaner buses, smart mobility solutions and future technologies already in progress, the city is steadily moving towards a more connected and sustainable transport network.

Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.