Dubai is going one step closer to the future of smart mobility as the detailed study for the rollout of the Dubai Self-Driving Trackless Tram Study is set to be completed by mid-next year or as early as the first quarter of 2025. However, this big development was confirmed by the senior official from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) during GITEX Global 2025.
A New Era of Driverless Public Transport
According to Dawood Alrais, Director of the Rail Maintenance Department at RTA’s Rail Agency, the self-driving trackless tram of Dubai will play an important role in easing road congestion and supporting the rapidly growing population of Dubai.
However, the eco-friendly, electric, and driverless transport system will be connected to the Dubai Metro. Hence, it will form a part of the ambition goals of Dubai to make 25 percent of all transportation smart and driverless by 2030.
Unlike traditional and current trams, the upcoming system does not need fixed rails. Instead, it will run on the virtual tracks guided by advanced technologies such as optical sensors, GPS (Global Positioning System), and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). However, this smart navigation allows the trams to move smoothly on city streets and maintain precise alignment with safety.
Eco-Friendly and Cost-Efficient Innovation
The sustainability and cost efficiency are one of the standout advantages of the Dubai trackless trams. However, the construction process will leave a smaller environmental footprint compared to a conventional tram system due to no permanent tracks are needed for these trams.
It was first announced the November of last year, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Dubai trams. Hence, this project shows the ongoing efforts of Dubsi to integrate innovation into public transport.
The trackless trams will run alongside cars and buses in Dubai. However, they will operate on the dedicated lanes to ensure safety and efficiency. It is similar to the dedicated bus lanes.
Speed, Capacity, and Smart Design
The RTA highlighted that the trackless tram will operate on the fixed routes due to designated pick-up and drop-off stations. Hence, it ensures a smooth commuting experience. Moreover, each tram will have 3 carriages with a total capacity of 300 passengers, which is more than three times that of a regular bus.
The trams will have the same width as a bus (2.55 to 2.65 meters) and a total length of 32 to 42 meters in terms of dimension. Moreover, it will be powered by rechargeable batteries, which will be capable of traveling up to 100 km on a single charge. It is almost the same distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The Dubai self-driving trackless tram will run faster than the current Dubai tram. Yet, it can reach a top speed of 70 km/h. Moreover, it can maintain an operational speed of 25 to 60 km/hr. However, the average speed of the current tram is 20 km/h due to continuous stops and safety slowdowns.
The turning flexibility is another big feature of this tram. It needs only a 12-meter operational radius to make turns, compared to 18 meters for conventional trams because of its rubber tires. Hence, this makes it best suited for navigating the urban roads of Dubai.
Dubai Self-Driving Trackless Tram: Project Expansion and Future Plans
The initial announcement mentioned eight key locations across Dubai for the rollout. However, Dawood Alrais indicated that the number could increase depending on the feasibility studies. However. He did not mention which areas will be included. Still, he assured that the project remains on schedule and will effectively meet the rising demand for seamless, high-capacity public transportation in the emirate.
Driving Toward Dubai’s 2030 Vision
The Dubai Self-Driving Trackless Tram is a big step toward smarter and greener mobility, which focuses on sustainability and reduced congestion. Hence, it supports the leadership of Dubai in futuristic transport. After launch, the trams will offer a faster, cleaner, and safer commute. Hence, it is perfectly aligned with Dubai’s 2030 smart city vision.
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