Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is pushing forward with a sweeping upgrade to the city’s taxi services, having launched 28 development initiatives in 2025 aimed at improving passenger comfort, service quality, and operational standards for users, drivers, and franchisees alike.
Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said: “The completion rate of all initiatives reached 89.8% by the end of the third quarter of 2025, according to operational performance indicators and achieved results. Several high-impact initiatives remain under implementation in line with approved plans.”
Among the many enhancements, RTA is deploying high-precision sensors for real-time in-vehicle air quality monitoring, improving operational monitoring systems, updating driver uniforms with season-appropriate fabrics (increasing to six sets per driver), and rolling out annual incentive programmes valued at over AED 8 million for drivers and franchises. Shakri also noted comfort upgrades such as leather upholstery, in-car air fresheners, and tighter linkage of trip evaluations to RTA systems for better service feedback.
These efforts are part of a broader RTA strategy to support Dubai’s Smart City goals and reflect the leadership’s vision: “The initiatives form part of RTA’s strategy to enhance quality of life in Dubai, and provide safe, comfortable, and sustainable mobility for passengers. RTA will continue developing innovative solutions that support the objectives of the Smart City and reflect aspirations of the wise leadership.”
