Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened what it describes as the emirate’s first smart bus station, located at Mall of the Emirates and directly linked to the existing Metro station there.
The station covers approximately 147 square metres and can serve up to 20 customers at a time. It operates around the clock through a suite of digital systems: a real-time information display integrated with Dubai Metro arrival data and taxi availability; a smart kiosk with a virtual assistant for journey planning, lost-and-found services, and call centre access; and a dedicated screen showing live bus arrival times alongside occupancy levels on approaching vehicles.
Ticket machines, digital top-up devices, and a smart vending machine with loyalty point functionality are also installed on-site.
AI-powered cameras manage crowd monitoring and violation detection, feeding real-time analytical data to operations teams. The station runs partly on solar power, and smart sensors track air quality throughout.
“At RTA, we are committed to enhancing customer service by harnessing the latest digital technologies and smart solutions to deliver the highest levels of comfort and efficiency for users, while strengthening the appeal of the public transport network. Adopting this integrated digital model raises operational efficiency and delivers higher levels of customer satisfaction. The station also incorporates advanced systems for crowd management and violation detection through AI-powered cameras, further enhancing safety and ensuring a smoother user experience,” Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority said in a statement.
The station serves 11 routes: six Dubai Metro feeder services, three internal routes, and two seasonal routes. It connects residential, commercial, and tourism-oriented areas including Al Barsha, Umm Suqeim, Al Sufouh, Al Quoz, Jumeirah Village Circle, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Miracle Garden, and Global Village.
The RTA said it intends to roll out the same model at additional stations as part of its broader effort to build an integrated public transport network across the emirate.
