Dubai Completes 595 New Bus Shelters to Enhance Public Transport and Boost Tourism

Published on December 8, 2025

Dubai’s commitment to improving its public transport infrastructure reached a significant milestone with the completion of 595 new bus shelters. This development aims to enhance both the convenience and comfort for residents and tourists alike, making the city’s bustling transport system more efficient and welcoming. The shelters are part of a larger initiative by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which plans to install a total of 762 shelters across the city. As of December 2025, the project is 89% complete, ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of urban mobility.

Modern Design Meets Functionality for Tourists and Locals

The newly installed bus shelters are not just functional; they are designed to offer a modern and comfortable waiting experience. Many shelters feature air-conditioned zones, especially in high-traffic areas, making the wait more bearable during the hot Dubai summers. These shelters are strategically located across the city, including key tourist destinations, commercial hubs, and transportation intersections. For tourists, this means easier access to popular sites such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and the Palm Jumeirah, all connected via efficient public bus routes.

Digital screens in the shelters provide passengers with real-time updates on bus schedules and routes, making it simpler for visitors to navigate Dubai’s public transport system. These digital displays show information about bus timings, routes, and other essential travel details, ensuring that tourists are well-informed and can plan their journeys with ease.

Accessibility and Inclusivity for All Visitors

A crucial aspect of the RTA’s initiative is the focus on accessibility. The new bus shelters comply with the Dubai Universal Design Code, which ensures that they are fully accessible to people with disabilities. Dedicated spaces are available for wheelchair users, making public transport more inclusive and easier to navigate for all, including those with limited mobility. This commitment to inclusivity aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of becoming a city for everyone, ensuring that both residents and tourists, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the same public transport benefits.

This inclusive approach is particularly valuable for tourists who may face challenges when exploring a city in a wheelchair or with other mobility needs. By providing accessible transport options, Dubai is not only enhancing the experience for visitors with disabilities but is also positioning itself as a destination that truly caters to all types of travellers.

Strategic Placement to Serve Tourists Better

The location of the bus shelters has been carefully selected to serve both high-density urban areas and major tourist attractions. The shelters are placed in strategic spots where foot traffic is significant, including busy shopping districts, iconic landmarks, and key metro and bus interchanges. This targeted placement ensures that tourists have easy access to public transport as they explore the city.

For example, visitors planning to visit the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centres, or those heading to the Dubai World Trade Centre for business or events will find these shelters particularly convenient. With the new shelters now in place, tourists can easily hop on and off buses that take them directly to their destinations, whether they are heading to cultural hotspots or major entertainment venues.

A Sustainable Step Forward for Tourism

Sustainability is another key goal of this project. By improving the public transport network, Dubai is encouraging residents and visitors to choose buses over private cars, helping to reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions. This is not only beneficial for the environment but also improves the overall experience for tourists by making the city less congested and more pedestrian-friendly.

As Dubai continues to grow as a global tourism hub, the RTA’s efforts to enhance public transport will have a positive impact on the city’s tourism industry. Improved mobility ensures that tourists can explore the city more easily, while also enjoying a higher level of comfort and convenience. With these new shelters, visitors can spend less time waiting and more time experiencing the city’s many attractions.

Enhancing Dubai’s Global Appeal

Dubai’s transport upgrades are part of its broader efforts to improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors. As the city continues to evolve into a global tourist destination, the availability of high-quality, efficient public transport options like these bus shelters plays a crucial role in ensuring that tourism remains a thriving industry.

The RTA’s focus on creating a seamless travel experience for tourists is evident in every aspect of the new bus shelter installations. From their strategic placement in key tourist zones to the emphasis on comfort and accessibility, these shelters are designed to enhance the overall tourist experience. As more visitors flock to Dubai for its world-class attractions, these upgrades will undoubtedly contribute to the city’s reputation as a forward-thinking, visitor-friendly destination.

The completion of 595 new bus shelters is a significant milestone for Dubai’s public transport infrastructure and its tourism sector. With improved accessibility, comfort, and sustainability, these shelters are making it easier for tourists to navigate the city and enjoy all that Dubai has to offer. As Dubai continues to expand its public transport network, these improvements are set to enhance the city’s global appeal as a top tourist destination.