11 upcoming transportation systems hitting the UAE.
The UAE is set to roll out some epic megaprojects, from stunning new hotels and groundbreaking museums to man-made islands and next-level malls. And that’s not all – there’s also a bunch of exciting new transportation systems on the way that we’re all looking forward to.
As we already know, the UAE boasts a range of public transportation options, like the super-popular Dubai Metro, tram system, monorail, and water taxis. But that’s just the beginning – even more are on the way!
Here are 11 transportation systems coming to the UAE
Across the UAE
Etihad Rail
One of the UAE’s most ambitious travel projects is the 1,200km Etihad Rail network. This massive initiative will connect all seven emirates and has plans to extend beyond our borders, linking up with the rest of the GCC. In fact, just this September, the UAE signed a deal with Jordan to build a 360km rail network. Could this be the first step towards a new era of regional passenger travel in the GCC?
For those traveling within the UAE, Etihad Rail promises quick journeys – just 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and 105 minutes to Fujairah. And it’s not just passengers that will benefit. The rail system will also handle cargo, with commercial freight operations already underway, according to Etihad Rail.
Dubai
RAILBUS
On February 10, 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled an exciting new mode of transport at the World Government Summit: the RAILBUS in Dubai. This sustainable, solar-powered mass transit system is designed to be an eco-friendly and efficient solution for public transport. The initiative is in line with the UAE’s Net Zero Strategy 2050, which aims for 25% of all trips in Dubai to be autonomous by 2030. Made with 3D printing technology and recyclable materials, the RAILBUS will carry up to 40 passengers and travel on tracks across the city, supported by a network of bridges.
Dubai Loop
The Dubai Loop is an exciting upcoming project in collaboration with Elon Musk. The main goal of this underground transportation system is to tackle traffic congestion. Musk pointed out that while air travel can help reduce traffic, it comes with its own set of challenges, like weather issues, noise, and wind turbulence. With the Dubai Loop, Musk describes the experience as a “wormhole” — where passengers hop on in one part of the city and instantly emerge in another. While the full details of the project haven’t been revealed yet, we’re definitely staying on the lookout for more updates.
Seaglider
The Seaglider will transport passengers from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for just Dhs165. This fully electric vehicle is a hybrid of a glider (light aircraft) and a boat, offering the speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat. Designed for coastal city travel, like between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it uses the “wing-in-ground effect” — a technology that’s been around for over 60 years. With speeds of up to 290kph, the Seaglider will significantly cut down travel time.
Driverless taxis
In 2021, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, revealed the signing of an agreement between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Cruise, a top US-based autonomous vehicle company. This partnership will bring self-driving taxis and ride-hailing services to Dubai, aligning with the city’s 2030 vision for self-driving technology. It also marks Dubai as the first non-US city in the world where Cruise will operate these vehicles commercially.
These self-driving vehicles are set to greatly enhance road safety, as over 90% of accidents are caused by human error. Fully electric and eco-friendly, the vehicles will cater to a diverse range of passengers, including seniors and people of determination, ensuring accessibility for all.
The latest update on driverless cars came in December 2023, when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, took the first test ride in the Cruise autonomous electric vehicle. Testing will continue, and the RTA plans to roll out a registration process that will allow selected members of the public to use the Cruise ride-hailing app and experience this new mode of transportation.
Flying taxis
It may sound like something straight out of The Jetsons, but flying taxis are about to become a reality in Dubai. These sky-high vehicles will take off vertically, reaching speeds of up to 322km/h – all while being a zero-emission form of transport. Capable of carrying four passengers plus a pilot, they will have a range of 161 kilometers. Pretty futuristic, right?
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, confirmed that the RTA has developed models for aerial taxi stations. The first phase will link four key areas in Dubai: Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa), Dubai Marina, Dubai International Airport, and Palm Jumeirah. In February 2025, the RTA showcased a prototype at the cutting-edge Museum of the Future.
According to the Dubai Ruler, the emirate will commence its aerial taxi service in the first quarter of 2026.
Ras Al Khaimah isn’t missing out on the air mobility trend either. The emirate has confirmed plans to introduce air transport by 2027. The flying taxis will shuttle passengers between Al Marjan Island and Jebel Jais in just 20 minutes, making travel quicker and more efficient in the area.
In Abu Dhabi, flying taxis are set for their first test flights in the coming months. Archer, the US-based eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) manufacturer, has announced plans to launch its Midnight aircraft in the capital in 2025, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA). The goal is to have passengers flying by the end of 2025, slashing long commutes to just minutes. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming flying taxis.
Driverless pod rail system
At Gitex Global 2024, Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) introduced an exciting new way to navigate the city, potentially freeing us from the never-ending traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road. The Floc Duo Rail is a self-driving, sleek electric pod system that could revolutionize travel in Dubai.
This futuristic transport will have the flexibility to operate both suspended in the air and on the ground. It’s designed to help passengers travel directly from point A to point B, or even connect them to other transport networks like the Dubai Metro, offering a seamless and hassle-free commuting experience.
Sky pods
These cable car-like vehicles are actually called “Suspended Transport Systems.” HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, has approved the 65km network as part of Dubai’s Smart Mobility Strategy.
The service will connect key areas such as Umm Suqeim Street, Al Khor, and Zabeel. Manufacturers claim these systems can reach speeds of up to 150kph, and since they are group transit vehicles powered by solar energy, they are expected to be five times more energy-efficient than current electric vehicles.
Electric abra
In May 2023, Dubai’s RTA announced the launch of trial operations for the “First Autonomous Electric Abra.” HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, shared that the goal of introducing the electric abra is to “convert 25% of all mobility journeys in Dubai into self-driving journeys by 2030.”
The electric abra will feature reduced noise and zero carbon emissions, operating fully autonomously without the need for a captain. It is designed to detect obstacles along its path and take action to avoid collisions during the journey. Additionally, the system can alert the control center if there are any deviations from the planned route.
Sharjah
Sky Pods
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Sharjah’s high-speed electric sky pods are set to transport both passengers and cargo between the emirates, reaching speeds of up to 100km/h.
The system features hanging transport pods, with individual unicars connected by a long cable suspended above the ground.
Testing is currently underway at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Once the tests are successful, Sharjah will announce plans to build routes within the city, with future expansions to connect to other emirates.
Hyperloop
The journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi can take up to two hours by road, but with the arrival of the Hyperloop, passengers will be able to travel between the two cities in just 12 minutes.
The Hyperloop train can reach speeds of up to 1,000 km/h, making it three times faster than high-speed rail and over 10 times faster than traditional trains. An animated video shared by Virgin Hyperloop in January 2022 gives a glimpse of what it will be like to experience this super-fast mode of transportation.
Not much has been revealed about this project recently, leaving some uncertainty about whether it’s been shelved. However, the plans to develop a passenger line in Italy by 2029 could spark renewed interest in the project.
