What happened?
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its Bus On Demand service to three new neighbourhoods, bringing the total coverage to 20 areas across the city.
Who is affected?
Residents, commuters, students and visitors living or travelling in the newly added service areas, especially those looking for affordable first- and last-mile transport.
Why does it matter?
The expansion makes public transport more accessible, improves connectivity between neighbourhoods and metro stations, and supports Dubai’s smart mobility goals.
At a Glance
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Organisation: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Status: Service expanded; Mirdif free rides available from August 10–23, 2026
- Who is affected: Residents, commuters, students and visitors
- Business impact: Better neighbourhood connectivity supports local businesses and reduces reliance on private vehicles
- What’s next: Regular fares will apply in Mirdif after the promotional period, while the service continues operating across 20 Dubai neighbourhoods
Dubai residents now have access to an even larger Dubai Bus On Demand network after the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) expanded the service to Al Quoz, Mirdif and Al Satwa. The latest rollout increases coverage to 20 neighbourhoods, giving more people access to flexible, app-based public transport that can be booked when needed. The expansion is part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to improve first- and last-mile connectivity and encourage more people to use Dubai’s public transport system.
Which new areas have been added to Dubai Bus On Demand?
The RTA confirmed that Al Quoz, Mirdif and Al Satwa are the latest communities to join the Bus On Demand network.
To encourage residents to try the service, all Bus On Demand trips within Mirdif will be free between August 10 and August 23, 2026. Once the promotional period ends, standard fares of AED 5 within a zone and AED 7 for interzone journeys will apply.
The expansion follows previous additions made earlier this year, as the authority continues to widen coverage across residential and commercial districts.
The service has also proven increasingly popular, with more than 500,000 passengers using it during the past six months, highlighting growing demand for flexible public transport.
How does Dubai Bus On Demand work?
Unlike traditional buses, Dubai Bus On Demand does not operate on fixed routes or scheduled stops.
Instead, passengers use the Dubai Bus On Demand app to enter their pickup and destination locations. The app then assigns a nearby shared minibus that collects passengers from designated virtual pickup points within the service area.
Each vehicle can accommodate up to 13 passengers, making it a convenient option for short neighbourhood trips and connections to metro stations and major transport hubs.
According to the RTA, passengers can pay through the app using credit or debit cards, nol cards or Ride Credits, making the booking process simple for both residents and visitors.
Which areas are covered by the service?
With the latest expansion, Dubai Bus On Demand now operates in 20 neighbourhoods:
- Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3
- Al Karama
- Al Mankhool
- Al Nahda
- Al Qusais
- Al Quoz
- Al Rigga
- Al Satwa
- Al Warqa’a
- Barsha Heights
- Business Bay
- DIFC
- Dubai Academic City
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Investment Park
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Jumeirah Village Circle
- Mirdif
- Oud Metha
- Port Saeed
Passengers can also travel between selected neighbouring zones through dedicated interzone routes, including:
- Al Barsha – Barsha Heights
- Al Rigga – Port Saeed
- Al Karama – Oud Metha
- Al Karama – Al Mankhool
- Business Bay – Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai Academic City
What are the fares and operating hours?
The service remains one of Dubai’s most affordable transport options.
Current fares include:
- AED 5 for trips within a zone
- AED 4 for each additional passenger in the same booking
- AED 7 for interzone journeys
- AED 2 for trips within Business Bay
Operating hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 5am to midnight
- Friday: 5am to 1am
- Saturday: 5am to midnight
- Sunday: 8am to midnight
These extended hours make the service suitable for commuters, students, shoppers and evening travellers.
Why is the RTA expanding Bus On Demand?
The expansion supports the RTA’s wider strategy of improving first- and last-mile connectivity across Dubai.
Many residents live beyond walking distance of metro stations or major bus routes. Bus On Demand helps bridge that gap by offering flexible transport within neighbourhoods, reducing the need for private cars and making public transport more convenient.
The service also complements Dubai’s broader smart mobility initiatives, which aim to improve accessibility, reduce congestion and encourage sustainable transport choices.
With demand continuing to grow, further expansion into additional communities could be considered in the future if passenger numbers remain strong.
Why It Matters?
Here’s why this update is important for UAE residents:
- More neighbourhoods now have access to flexible public transport.
- Residents in Mirdif can enjoy free rides during the introductory period.
- Students and daily commuters gain easier connections to metro stations and bus routes.
- Local businesses may benefit from improved accessibility for customers and employees.
- The expansion supports Dubai’s long-term goal of making public transport more convenient and sustainable.
FAQs
Is Dubai Bus On Demand available across the whole city?
No. The service currently operates in 20 selected neighbourhoods across Dubai.
How much does Dubai Bus On Demand cost?
Fares start from AED 5 within a service zone, AED 7 for interzone trips and AED 2 for journeys within Business Bay.
Are Bus On Demand rides free in Mirdif?
Yes. The RTA is offering free rides in Mirdif from August 10 to August 23, 2026. Standard fares will apply after the promotional period.
How do I book a Dubai Bus On Demand ride?
Passengers can book through the Dubai Bus On Demand app, selecting their pickup and destination before confirming payment.
Can tourists use Dubai Bus On Demand?
Yes. According to the RTA, the service is available for residents, visitors and tourists travelling within the supported service areas.
Dubai’s latest Bus On Demand expansion gives thousands more residents access to flexible and affordable public transport. By adding Al Quoz, Mirdif and Al Satwa, the RTA continues to strengthen neighbourhood connectivity while encouraging greater use of shared mobility across the city. With free rides launching in Mirdif for two weeks, now is a good opportunity for residents to experience the service firsthand.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
Read More
- Dubai RTA Launches 4 New Bus Routes and Revises 13 Existing Services From July 17
- Ras Al Khaimah Launches Its First Electric Bus With Free Rides on Upgraded Purple Route
- JLT Link Bus Guide: Routes, Timings, Map & Fares (Complete Guide)
- Travelling to the UAE Frequently? This 5-Year Visa Could Save You Time and Hassle
