The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has made significant strides in enhancing its oversight and inspection framework related to passenger transport activities. In the first half of 2026, the authority recorded an increase in operational efficiency and effectiveness in field inspections, which has bolstered compliance, safety, and the mitigation of illegal practices in the transport sector.
Intensified Oversight Operations
According to Saeed Al Blooshi, Director of Passenger Transport Activities Control at the RTA, the ongoing rigorous inspection operations are being executed in collaboration with strategic partners. This collaborative approach aims to enhance compliance with regulations and improve service quality for transport users across the emirate.
“The results from the first half of 2026 illustrate continuous improvement in the efficiency of field inspection systems and the effectiveness of joint campaigns,” stated Al Blooshi. “These efforts have led to increased compliance levels and enhanced discipline across various transport sectors, particularly in high-traffic areas and operational hotspots, with a strong emphasis on combating unlicensed transport.”
Inspection Statistics and Compliance Rates
In the first half of 2026, the RTA executed over 1.6 million inspections across various passenger transport activities, which includes public transport, school transport, tourist transport, charter buses, and unlicensed transport. This figure marks an increase compared to 1.5 million inspections in the same period of 2025.
Regarding violations, the authority recorded 30,000 infractions during the first six months of 2026, a decrease from 38,000 in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a 21% reduction. This decline indicates a notable improvement in compliance levels and the sustained effectiveness of inspection campaigns in identifying and curbing infractions.
Effective Joint Campaigns and Enforcement Actions
Joint campaigns conducted alongside the General Administration of Airport Security, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs resulted in the apprehension of 340 violations related to passenger transport in unlicensed vehicles and the promotion of illegal transport services. This statistic signifies a significant 57% decrease from 797 violations detected in the first half of 2025.
Moreover, 244 vehicles were seized for violating regulations after their drivers fled the inspection sites, reflecting a 48% drop compared to the same period last year. This trend demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation among relevant authorities in curtailing illegal activities.
School Transport and Public Transport Compliance
In the school transport sector, over 8,000 inspections were conducted in both years, resulting in 654 violations during the first half of 2026, which is a 15% decrease from the previous year, with compliance rates reaching approximately 92%.
As for public transport, the authority carried out more than 1.2 million inspections on users of public transport buses, facilities, and bus drivers, leading to the issuance of over 28,000 violations, with a compliance rate of around 97.8%.
Focused Oversight Across Transport Sectors
In the fields of charter bus transport, tourism transport, and international transport, over 12,000 inspections were conducted in the first half of 2026, resulting in 602 violations and a compliance rate of 95%.
These results confirm the RTA’s success in enhancing field oversight through the intelligent analysis of data, directing inspection operations more effectively. This strategic approach aims to ensure the safety of users of passenger transport services while positioning Dubai as a global model of efficiency and quality in transportation services.