Public transportation in Dubai witnessed substantial growth in the first half of 2025, with 395.3 million riders using a wide array of transport modes including Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport, taxis, and shared mobility services. This marks a 9% increase compared to 361.2 million riders during the same period in 2024. The daily average ridership reached approximately 2.18 million passengers, up from 1.98 million last year.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA, this consistent growth reflects the public’s confidence in the reliability and quality of Dubai’s integrated transport network. He emphasized that the system is designed to provide safe, convenient, and sustainable mobility for both residents and visitors.
Al Tayer highlighted that the share of public and shared transport journeys rose from 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024, a clear indicator of how the transport culture in Dubai has evolved.
Future Projects and Sustainability Goals
Dubai is pushing ahead with ambitious transit expansion. The RTA is currently developing the 30-kilometer Blue Line of Dubai Metro, which will feature 14 stations and serve nine densely populated areas with around one million residents, in line with Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
In a move toward eco-friendly transportation, the RTA signed agreements to procure 637 new buses that meet Euro 6 low-emission standards, including 40 fully electric buses, the largest and first of their kind in the UAE. These new buses are expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2026, significantly extending bus coverage across the city. The RTA also reaffirmed its commitment to converting 100% of its public bus fleet to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2050.
Additionally, the authority completed upgrades this month to 16 bus stations and 6 bus depots, enhancing overall service quality and commuter comfort.
Ridership Breakdown by Mode of Transport (Jan–June 2025):
Dubai Metro (Red & Green Lines): 143.9 million riders
Busiest stations:
- BurJuman & Al Rigga: 8.6 million
- Al Rigga alone: 6.8 million
- Union Station: 6.6 million
- Mall of the Emirates: 5.6 million
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall: 5.4 million
- Business Bay: 5.3 million
- Sharaf DG (Green Line): 5.1 million
- Baniyas: 4.1 million
- Stadium: 3.6 million
- Dubai Tram: 4.9 million riders
- Public Buses: 95.7 million riders
- Marine Transport: 9.7 million riders
- Shared Mobility (ride-hailing, hourly rentals, on-demand buses): 37.6 million riders
- Taxis: 103.5 million riders
Dubai Metro and taxis together accounted for the majority of ridership, at 36.5% and 26% respectively, while public buses made up 24%. The highest ridership month was May 2025, with 68.8 million riders, while monthly totals in other months ranged between 61 and 68 million.
These figures underscore the effectiveness of Dubai’s ongoing investments in its transport infrastructure and the strategic shift toward a more sustainable, tech-integrated transit ecosystem. The growth reflects both the emirate’s economic vitality and the successful efforts of the RTA in encouraging residents and tourists alike to embrace public transportation.
