If you’ve ever found yourself checking your watch while waiting for the 88 at Al Satwa or Jumeirah during the morning rush, there is some seriously good news coming your way. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is kicking off the new year with a massive update to the city’s bus network.
Starting January 9, 2026, the RTA is introducing four brand-new bus routes and giving a significant facelift to more than 70 existing services. This isn’t just a small tweak to the timetable; it’s a strategic move to help us all get around a bit faster during those dreaded peak hours. Whether you’re a daily commuter or just someone who loves exploring the hidden gems of Jumeirah and Al Wasl, these changes are designed with your “commute sanity” in mind.
Meet the “Peak-Hour Heroes”: New Routes 88 and 93
The stars of this update are four specific “A” and “B” routes: 88A, 88B, 93A, and 93B. These aren’t just random additions—they are directional boosters meant to take the pressure off the current Route 88 and Route 93 services.
If you live or work around the Al Satwa and Jumeirah 3 corridor, these are for you.
The logic is simple but effective:
- Route 88A will run from Al Satwa Bus Station to Jumeirah 3 during the morning rush.
- Route 88B will handle the return leg from Jumeirah 3 to Al Satwa in the evening.
The same applies to the Al Satwa to Al Wasl connection. Route 93A will cater to morning travelers heading toward Al Wasl, while Route 93B will bring everyone back toward Satwa in the evening. By focusing on the direction where the crowds are actually heading, the RTA is essentially putting more buses exactly where they are needed most, rather than having empty buses running against the traffic.
More Than Just New Lines: The 70-Service Revamp
Beyond the new additions, the RTA is fine-tuning over 70 services. We’re talking about everything from shifting bus stops to extending routes into developing neighborhoods. This is great news for anyone living in areas that used to feel just a little bit out of reach of the public transport grid.
One of the most exciting updates for the weekend explorers is for Route 29. The RTA has added a brand-new stop at the Museum of the Future. You no longer have to hop off at Emirates Towers 1 and walk; the bus will now drop you much closer to that iconic silver ring.
For those residing in International City, Route 55 is being extended to reach the Greece Cluster (K12). Meanwhile, in Al Nahda, families and school-goers will be happy to see Route 18 now stopping right at Al Nahda Pond Park and MSB Private School. These are small changes, but if it saves you a 10-minute walk in the afternoon sun, it’s a big win.
Navigating the Changes: What You Need to Know
It’s not just about adding stops; sometimes it’s about making things more logical. For example, if you usually catch a bus from the Max Metro Station, take note: the bus stop for routes E100 and E201 has been moved to Al Jafiliya Bus Station. It’s a move meant to streamline the flow of those big inter-city buses and keep them from getting bogged down in metro station traffic.
Other highlights include:
- Route 13A: Now extended to Al Muhaisnah 2, 7th Street.
- Route F39: Now reaching deeper into Oud Al Muteena, with three new stops added.
- Route 320: A new stop added at the VOGO Grand Hotel in Dubai Outsource City.
- Route F55: Expansion into the Dubai World Central (DWC) cargo zone.
Living the Dubai Life: Why This Matters
We all know that Dubai is growing fast. What was a quiet desert patch three years ago is now a bustling residential hub. These new bus routes in Dubai reflect that growth. By refining how the bus network interacts with the Metro and our neighborhoods, the RTA is helping us live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Leaving the car at home isn’t just about saving on petrol or avoiding the Salik gates; it’s about the convenience of a network that actually works for us. With the S’hail app already being one of the best tools for navigating the city, these new updates will be integrated instantly, so you can plan your trip with zero guesswork.
As we head into mid-January, it’s a good idea to double-check your usual route on the app. You might find that your walk to the stop just got shorter, or your bus arrives five minutes more frequently than it used to.
| Route | What’s New? | Area Impacted |
| 88A/B | New peak-hour boosters | Al Satwa ? Jumeirah 3 |
| 93A/B | New peak-hour boosters | Al Satwa ? Al Wasl |
| Route 29 | New stop added | Museum of the Future |
| Route 55 | Service extension | International City (Greece Cluster) |
| Route 13A | Service extension | Al Muhaisnah 2 |
| Route 18 | New neighborhood stops | Al Nahda Pond Park / MSB School |
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