Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is expanding its Bus-On-Demand service to 20 areas, with Al Satwa, Al Quoz and Mirdif reported as the latest locations added to the network. The service allows residents and visitors to book shared minibus journeys through an app, offering a flexible option for short trips and first- and last-mile connections.
Important status note: RTA’s official service page, updated July 21, 2026, currently lists 19 active zones and includes Al Satwa and Al Quoz but does not yet list Mirdif. The 20-area figure and Mirdif addition have therefore not been independently confirmed on that official service page as of August 17, 2026.
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Organisation: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Current status: Al Satwa and Al Quoz are officially listed; Mirdif is reported as a new addition but is not yet shown on RTA’s published zone list
- Who is affected: Residents, visitors and daily commuters using Bus-On-Demand
- Business impact: More flexible connections for residential, commercial and employment areas
- What’s next: Users should check the Dubai Bus On-Demand app for the latest active zones before booking
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is expanding its Bus-On-Demand service, with Al Satwa, Al Quoz and Mirdif reported as the latest areas joining the network. The expansion is intended to give residents and visitors more flexible options for short-distance travel and improve connections between neighbourhoods and the wider public transport network. RTA’s official service page currently confirms 19 active zones, including Al Satwa and Al Quoz, while Mirdif has not yet been added to that published list.
The development comes as demand for shared mobility continues to grow across Dubai.
What is Dubai Bus-On-Demand?
Dubai Bus-On-Demand is an app-based shared transport service operated under RTA’s public transport network. Instead of following a conventional fixed route, the service responds to passenger bookings and helps connect people within designated zones.
RTA describes the service as an option for journeys within covered zones and approved interzone routes. It is particularly useful for first- and last-mile travel, such as connecting residential areas with nearby public transport stations.
Passengers can use the service for local journeys rather than depending on a private car or booking a taxi for every short trip.
Which areas are currently covered by Dubai Bus-On-Demand?
RTA’s official service page currently lists 19 zones:
- Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3
- Al Nahda
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Academic City
- Business Bay
- Al Rigga
- Port Saeed
- Downtown Dubai
- Al Karama
- Oud Metha
- Barsha Heights
- DIFC
- Al Mankhool
- Al Qusais
- Al Warqa
- Jumeirah Village Circle
- Dubai Investments Park
- Al Satwa
- Al Quoz
RTA’s page was updated on July 21, 2026. Mirdif does not appear on this official list at the time of publication.
The supplied August 16 report states that Mirdif has been added and describes the network as covering 20 areas. However, that specific addition has not yet been independently confirmed through RTA’s published service information.
How does the Bus-On-Demand service work?
Passengers book their journey through the Dubai Bus On-Demand app. After registering, users enter their journey information and payment details before checking the available bus, seat availability, estimated arrival time and expected travel time.
The app then allows passengers to confirm their booking and board the assigned bus.
The service can be booked for an individual passenger or a group. RTA allows up to six people in one booking.
The model is different from a traditional bus because the journey is based on passenger demand rather than a fixed timetable.
How much does Dubai Bus-On-Demand cost?
RTA lists the standard Bus-On-Demand fare at AED 5 per passenger per trip. An interzone journey costs AED 7, while additional passengers travelling under the same booking cost AED 4 each.
Business Bay has a separate reduced fare of AED 2 per trip, introduced by RTA in December 2024. RTA said the reduction was aimed at encouraging greater use of the service and improving integration between public transport options.
Passengers can pay using a credit or debit card or a nol card. RTA also offers the option of purchasing ride credits through the app.
One point commuters should know is that Bus-On-Demand fares are not integrated with regular Dubai Bus and Metro fares. RTA says passengers must pay separately for each Bus-On-Demand journey.
Why is RTA expanding Bus-On-Demand?
RTA is expanding flexible mobility options as Dubai’s overall public transport and shared mobility usage continues to increase.
In 2025, public transport, shared mobility and taxis recorded 802.1 million riders across Dubai, compared with 747.1 million in 2024, representing 7.4% growth, according to RTA. Shared mobility services, which include on-demand buses, app-based vehicles and hourly rentals, recorded 72.9 million riders in 2025, up 30% from 2024.
RTA has positioned shared mobility as part of a broader integrated transport system designed to provide residents and visitors with different travel options.
For Bus-On-Demand specifically, the first- and last-mile role is important. The service can help bridge the gap between a passenger’s starting point and a Metro station, bus connection or other public transport service.
The expansion gives people in covered communities another option for short-distance travel.
For Al Quoz, the service can be useful for workers and visitors travelling around a major commercial and industrial district. Al Satwa is a centrally located, densely populated community where flexible local connections can complement existing transport options.
If and when Mirdif becomes officially active in the RTA app and service list, residents there would also gain another shared transport option. For now, passengers should verify availability directly in the Bus-On-Demand app before planning a journey.
The wider trend is clear: Dubai is continuing to invest in public transport, shared mobility and technology-led services as passenger numbers rise.
FAQs
Is Dubai Bus-On-Demand available in Al Quoz?
Yes. Al Quoz is officially listed by RTA as a Bus-On-Demand zone. RTA’s current service page includes Al Quoz among the covered areas.
Is Bus-On-Demand available in Al Satwa?
Yes. Al Satwa is listed as an active Bus-On-Demand zone on RTA’s official service page, which was updated on July 21, 2026.
Is Mirdif officially covered by Bus-On-Demand?
Mirdif has been reported as a new Bus-On-Demand area, but RTA’s official service page currently does not list Mirdif among its active zones. Passengers should check the Dubai Bus On-Demand app for the latest availability.
How much is a Dubai Bus-On-Demand ride?
The standard fare is AED 5 per passenger per trip. Interzone journeys cost AED 7, while additional passengers in the same booking cost AED 4 each. Business Bay has a special AED 2 fare.
Who can use Dubai Bus-On-Demand?
RTA says the service is available to citizens, residents and visitors. Passengers can book individually or for groups of up to six people.
Dubai’s Bus-On-Demand network continues to grow as RTA expands flexible shared transport options across the emirate. Al Satwa and Al Quoz are confirmed on RTA’s current official zone list, while the reported Mirdif addition and 20-area total should be treated as pending official confirmation until RTA updates its published service information.
For the latest coverage, passengers should check the Dubai Bus On-Demand app before travelling.
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