Dubai’s RTA Expands Network: New Bus Routes & Upgrades
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is making public transport better for everyone. Starting January 9, 2026, they will add four new bus routes and improve more than 70 existing ones. These changes help reduce traffic jams, cut waiting times, and connect more areas in the city. If you live or work in Dubai, this means easier and faster bus trips.
The updates focus on busy times like morning and evening rush hours. They aim to make travel smoother for daily commuters, families, and visitors. Let's look at what's new.
The 4 New Peak-Hour Bus Routes
Here are the details:
Route Number |
Starting Point |
Destination |
Peak Time |
Purpose |
|
88A |
Al Satwa Bus Station |
Jumeirah 3 |
Morning |
Supports Route 88 efficiency |
|
88B |
Jumeirah 3 |
Al Satwa Bus Station |
Evening |
Supports Route 88 efficiency |
|
93A |
Al Satwa Bus Station |
Al Wasl |
Morning |
Supports Route 93 efficiency |
|
93B |
Al Wasl |
Al Satwa Bus Station |
Evening |
Supports Route 93 efficiency |
Upgrades to Over 70 Existing Bus Routes
RTA is updating many bus lines with small but helpful changes. This includes adding or removing stops, extending paths, adjusting times, and more. These tweaks make services faster and more reliable. Here are some examples:
Route Number |
Key Changes |
|
6 |
Added stops at Dubai People of Determination Centre and Mayo Clinic. |
|
13A |
Extended to Al Muhaisnah 2, 7th Street. |
|
16 |
Cancelled Al Awir bus stop. |
|
29 |
Cancelled Emirates Towers 1 stop; added Museum of the Future stop. |
|
55 |
Extended to the Greece Cluster, K12 in the International City. |
|
C09 |
Cancelled stops at Oxygen Dubai 2, Gargash Cars 2, and Renault Service Centre 2. |
|
C15 & F01 |
Cancelled Al Baraha Masjid 2; added new stop on Abu Baker Al Siddique Street. |
|
F39 |
Extended to Oud Al Muteena; added new stops like Oud Al Muteena 2 A1; cancelled Algeria Street 6-1. |
|
F46 |
Cancelled stops in the Green Community, like Choithrams Supermarket 2. |
|
F54 |
Realigned to serve the South Residential Area of Jebel Ali Free Zone; cancelled Al Munawalah Street stops. |
|
F55 |
Expanded to Dubai World Central cargo zone; added two new stops. |
|
DH1 |
Cancelled Storm Coaster at the Dubai Hills Mall stop. |
|
12 & 93 |
Cancelled Umm Suqeim Etisalat stop. |
|
18 |
Added stops at Al Nahda Pond Park and MSB Private School on 7A Street. |
|
31 |
Cancelled Dubai Academic City 2 stop. |
|
21B & F26A |
Cancelled Al Telaa Technical Industries 1 stop. |
|
36B |
Added a stop at Royal Bank of Scotland 1 in Dubai Outsource City. |
|
F10 |
Cancelled Al Warqa’a E21 stop. |
|
F61 |
Added Al Jassmi Masjid 1 stop. |
|
320 |
Added a stop at VOGO Grand Hotel in Dubai, Outsource City. |
|
E100 & E201 |
Relocated the Max Metro Station stop to Al Jafiliya Bus Station. |
Benefits for Dubai Commuters
With these changes, you can expect:
- Shorter Wait Times: More buses during busy hours mean less waiting at stops.
- Better Connections: New stops and extensions link neighbourhoods like Al Muhaisnah, International City, and Jebel Ali better.
- Less Congestion: Peak-hour routes help spread out traffic, making roads less crowded.
- Improved Experience: Updates make trips more comfortable and on time for work, school, or fun.
How to Plan Your Trips
Use the S’hail App to check real-time schedules, routes, and updates. It's free and works on phones. You can also visit the RTA website for maps and fare info. Fares stay the same, starting from AED 3 per trip with a Nol card.
FAQs
What are the new bus routes added by RTA in 2026?
RTA added four peak-hour routes: 88A (Al Satwa to Jumeirah 3, morning), 88B (Jumeirah 3 to Al Satwa, evening), 93A (Al Satwa to Al Wasl, morning), and 93B (Al Wasl to Al Satwa, evening).
When do the new bus routes and upgrades start?
They start on January 9, 2026.
How do these changes help commuters?
They reduce waiting times, improve connections between areas, and ease traffic during peak hours.
Where can I find detailed schedules for the updated routes?
Download the S’hail App or check the RTA website for the latest info.
Will bus fares change with these updates?
No, fares remain the same. Use your Nol card for easy payments.
Are there any route cancellations?
No full routes are cancelled, but some stops are removed or added for better flow.
