Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has made key updates to its public bus network, adjusting 13 routes and introducing new stops across the city. These changes have been designed to enhance metro connectivity, streamline busy corridors, and expand coverage in emerging residential and industrial areas.
As the city grows rapidly, these updates make bus commutes more efficient for daily riders.
New Endpoints for Easier Connections
Several routes now end at alternative terminals, helping ease congestion at older stations and simplifying transfers between buses and metro lines.
- Route 17 has been redirected to Baniyas Square Metro Station instead of Sabkha Bus Station.
- Route E16 now terminates at Union Bus Station, removing the previous Sabkha endpoint.
- Route C26 shifts to Max Metro Bus Stop 2, moving away from Al Jafiliya Bus Station.
- Route F27 also now stops at Max Metro, no longer ending at Al Jafiliya.
These adjustments are part of RTA’s broader goal to reduce overcrowding at busy stations and make last-mile travel quicker for passengers who rely on both bus and metro services.
Extended Routes Cover Growing Neighbourhoods
Beyond just altering endpoints, RTA has rerouted and extended several services to better serve high-demand and newly developing areas.
- Route 24 now moves through Al Nahda 1, enhancing access for one of Dubai’s densely populated residential districts.
- Route 44 changes course, steering clear of Rebat Street and heading towards Dubai Festival City, a key destination for shoppers and workers.
- Route 56 has been extended to reach the DWC Staff Village, an important update for airport-linked staff housing.
- Route F47 now takes a new route through Jebel Ali Industrial, an area previously underserved by public transport.
- Route F54 stretches further to include a newly established labour accommodation in JAFZA South, improving transport access for the workforce in that area.
Rural and Labour Zones Now Within Reach
Dubai’s outer communities and labour-intensive areas have also been brought into better reach with this update.
- Routes 66 and 67 now make stops at Al Ruwayyah Farm, offering improved access for agricultural and rural workers.
This shift in public service coverage connects even the peripheral parts of Dubai to the main public transport grid.
Streamlining Routes by Removing Redundancies
In line with improving efficiency, RTA has removed some overlapping segments to free up traffic on busy roads and reduce unnecessary stops.
- Route 32C no longer covers the section between Al Jafiliya Bus Station and Satwa Bus Station. However, commuters can take Route F27 from a nearby point to continue their journey to Satwa.
- Route F12 has been slightly modified—now travelling via Kuwait Street after the Satwa Roundabout, skipping the previous detour near Wasal Park.
These changes help reduce route duplication and allow buses to move more freely during peak hours.
What Should Commuters Expect?
The updated network cuts travel time, eases congestion, and offers more convenience to residents in growing areas. Daily riders will experience:
- Easier transitions between the bus and the metro
- Better access to workplaces and accommodations in industrial zones
- Less crowding at older bus stations
- Improved access to developing residential and rural locations
It’s a reminder for regular bus users to review their route schedules to avoid any surprises and make the most of the new network efficiency.
Keep Your Commute Updated
With these latest changes in place, RTA encourages passengers to:
- Check the updated routes using the official RTA app or customer service channels
- Plan your transfers ahead if your usual bus route has been shortened or rerouted.
- Top up your Nol card to avoid delays during travel.
These proactive steps will ensure smoother transitions as the updated bus network rolls out citywide.
Dubai’s Transportation Vision
RTA’s consistent upgrades to Dubai’s public transport system reflect the city’s focus on efficient urban mobility. These revised routes not only aim to support current commuter needs but also align with Dubai’s long-term strategy to reduce dependency on private cars and strengthen sustainable, integrated transport systems.
The added coverage across developing and industrial zones also highlights the city’s efforts to create a more inclusive public transport ecosystem—one that serves both blue- and white-collar communities with equal priority.
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