In a significant stride towards enhancing public transport services, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched its updated Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy. This initiative aims to solidify the organisation’s global leadership in AI-enhanced mobility by establishing an integrated and interconnected system that leverages advanced technologies. The ultimate goal is to improve transport services, facilitate traffic flow, elevate customer journeys, and boost operational efficiency, all while contributing to a higher quality of life in Dubai and reinforcing its status as a pioneering global city in adopting future technologies for human benefit.
A Comprehensive Strategy Across 41 Fields
The strategy encompasses 41 areas across various institutions and departments within the RTA. The initial and second phases of implementation will concentrate on 11 core fields, focusing on the development of 40 AI products. Out of these, 11 have already been completed. Additionally, four foundational projects will be undertaken over a period of two and a half years, with an objective of generating an added value exceeding 300 million Dirhams annually. The aim is to transition 50% of operational processes and services into an Agentic AI framework, thereby enhancing the RTA’s ability to offer smarter, quicker, and more flexible services.
Aligning with Future-Ready Governance
Matar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the RTA Board, stated, “The launch of the updated AI strategy aligns with the directives of our wise leadership to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies and expand their deployment across various government sectors. This enhances Dubai’s position as a global hub for developing and applying innovative smart solutions, creating services centred around human experiences that nurture happiness and well-being.”
Investing in Dubai’s Future
Al Tayer emphasised that investing in AI represents a vital investment in Dubai’s future and its global competitiveness. The authority is focused on constructing a cohesive institutional framework that integrates advanced technologies, data, skilled human resources, and strategic partnerships. This commitment promises to enhance productivity, optimise resource allocation, expedite transactions, and develop innovative solutions to future challenges, all while supporting sustainable transport systems amid the rapid population growth and economic expansion of the emirate.
Key Areas of Focus in the AI Strategy
The strategy highlights 11 main areas for focus during the first and second phases of implementation. These areas include business planning and development, vehicle licensing, road corridors, traffic management, contracts and procurement, customer satisfaction, bus operation and maintenance, driver licensing, road infrastructure, human resources development, and more. The objectives include reducing traffic congestion by 3% to 5%, cutting complaint handling times by 20% to 30%, and decreasing waiting times at customer service centres by 14% to 16%. Additionally, the strategy aims to lower the duration of service provision in these centres by 15% to 20% and reduce the accident rate among new drivers by 10% to 20%, along with slashing procurement cycle times by 10% to 15%.
Progress and Innovations Achieved
During the unveiling of the updated strategy, Ahmad Hashim Behroozian, Executive Director of the Institutional Technical Support Services Sector, highlighted key achievements. These include the completion of the first phase’s planning, the identification of more than 180 use cases and quick initiatives in 11 fields, and the collaboration of 12 implementing departments to determine 40 products, of which 11 AI products have been launched. These products span across five areas in business planning and development, five in vehicle licensing, and one in road corridors.
Behroozian noted, “The strategy features a series of innovative initiatives and quality products aimed at transforming service delivery and operational management. Key among these is the development of the intelligent chatbot system (Mahboub), designed to serve as a comprehensive service platform, alongside a smart no-objection certificate system, an intelligent auditing system for licensing documents, a procurement accountant system, and an AI-assisted bus network planning model.”