Dubai expands smart pedestrian signals to 10 new locations
Dubai is stepping up road safety with the completion of the second phase of the Smart Pedestrian Signal Expansion Project.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has now installed smart pedestrian signals at 10 more locations across the city — bringing the total to 27 intersections equipped with the intelligent system.
The initiative uses advanced thermal cameras and smart sensors to detect pedestrians in real time, even in low-light conditions.
It automatically adjusts signal timings based on pedestrian movement, helping to enhance safety — especially for seniors, children and people of determination, while also improving traffic flow.
The new signals have been installed at key intersections including Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Satwa Street, Salah Al Din Street, Amman Street, Al Qusais Street (near labour camps), and Oud Metha Street (near the school zone).
"The RTA selects target locations based on lessons learned and a multi-criteria evaluation matrix. Key considerations include the proximity of pedestrian crossings to each other, the rate of pedestrian-related incidents at the location, road classification (including designated speed limits and the number of lanes per direction), the availability and accessibility of pedestrian bridges, and the overall road design," said Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at the RTA's Traffic and Roads Agency.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has completed Phase Two of the Smart Pedestrian Signal Expansion Project, which involved the installation of smart pedestrian signals at 10 additional locations across the emirate. With Phase One having covered 17 intersections, the total… pic.twitter.com/Xsv8DCdUiS
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 18, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai is Quietly Building the Future of the Automotive Industry
When I first arrived in Dubai in 2008, the city was a place of bold contrasts. It was grappling with the fallout of the global financial crisis, yet there remained a quiet, determined confidence in its future. Even then, you could sense that Dubai wouldn't just recover — it would reimagine what recovery looked like. Today, that prediction has come true. Dubai has transformed into one of the world's most dynamic testbeds for mobility innovation. What was once a market focused on car ownership is now a launchpad for pioneering ideas in sustainability, digitalisation, and smart transport. This evolution isn't incidental — it's intentional, enabled by a city that's wired for vision and progress. Dubai's geographic location has long made it a global gateway. But what truly sets the city apart is its mindset: an unwavering belief in building the future before others dare to imagine it. The Roads and Transport Authority's plan to introduce air taxis by 2026 is a case in point. What may sound like science fiction elsewhere is already moving into operational planning here, converting a 45-minute commute into a 12-minute airborne journey. Beneath these headlines is a deeper reality: a regulatory and business ecosystem that supports ambition. Programmes like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Vision 2030 aren't just slogans; they are action plans that prioritize diversification, sustainability, and the seamless integration of technology into everyday life. For the automotive sector, this means Dubai offers something rare — a real-world lab where electric, hydrogen, and autonomous mobility solutions can be trialled, refined, and scaled with minimal red tape. At AGMC, we've experienced this transformation firsthand. As the official importer for BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce in the region, we've seen electric vehicle (EV) adoption gain strong momentum — thanks to a blend of consumer enthusiasm, progressive regulation, and business commitment. Today, more than 47,000 green vehicles are registered in the emirate, with fully electric cars making up the majority. Still, the path forward has its challenges. EV infrastructure remains a work in progress. While many villa residents enjoy home charging, the next wave of growth depends on scaling solutions for apartments and urban clusters. The public sector is expanding its charging network, but accelerating adoption will require coordinated efforts across government, utility providers, automakers, and real estate developers. There are also questions around EV residual value. As the market matures, the secondary resale ecosystem will need time — and data — to develop. But Dubai's unique mix of early adopters and tech-forward consumers means we're generating insights faster than many more established markets. What inspires me most, though, is the human story behind the innovation. Dubai is a global talent magnet, bringing together engineers, designers, software developers, and strategists from across continents. It is this cross-pollination of perspectives that fuels meaningful progress — not just in what we build, but how we build it. From hydrogen-powered fleets to connected mobility ecosystems and AI-optimised traffic flows, the future of transport is not on the horizon — it's already taking shape. And while flying cars may remain in the realm of fantasy, Dubai's air taxis suggest we're closer than we think. Ultimately, Dubai teaches us a vital lesson: the future doesn't just arrive — it is built, deliberately and ambitiously. And there are few places in the world where that drive to build is more evident, or more effective, than here.
Arabian Post
13 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Dubai rolls out free Wi‑Fi to 43 transport hubs
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has now enabled free, high‑speed Wi‑Fi access at all 43 public bus and marine transport stations, marking a significant upgrade in its bid to enhance commuter convenience. The deployment, completed on 17 June 2025, is part of a strategic collaboration with telecom provider e&. Commuters across the city can access the service using smartphones, tablets, or laptops while awaiting their bus or marine rides. The initiative aligns with the UAE's broader digital transformation efforts, supporting Dubai's goal to evolve into one of the world's smartest and happiest cities. The expansion covers 21 bus stations and 22 marine transport terminals. It complements earlier phases of extending free Wi‑Fi to metro stations and public areas, reinforcing the seamless connectivity experience across Dubai's public transport network. ADVERTISEMENT According to Gulf Business, e& and RTA will closely monitor usage data and commuter feedback to identify performance issues and guide future enhancements. The two entities also intend to scale the network further, potentially extending coverage to additional transit points. The rollout supports Dubai's '360 Services Policy', designed to minimise in-person interactions by digitising transportation services and shifting to self-service models via the Dubai Now app — a measure that saw initial uptake in March of this year. Industry observers highlight that this initiative forms part of a wider suite of smart mobility enhancements. One notable example includes ARIIS, an AI-driven robotic system designed to inspect metro infrastructure during off-peak hours, which is expected to begin operations later this year. Both developments underscore RTA's emphasis on leveraging digital innovation to streamline operational efficiency and enrich commuter experience. Technical sources confirm that the coastal nature of marine stations posed additional challenges in implementing stable Wi‑Fi coverage. To address this, e& deployed advanced signal distribution systems to ensure consistent connectivity even in maritime zones, affirming the commitment to reliable service for all users. The initiative has been met with positive reactions from daily commuters. A business consultant travelling between Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali noted that being able to access work emails and navigate apps while waiting 'has changed the daily commute for the better.' Another parent praised the ability to explain travel details to children using educational content while in transit. Industry experts suggest that such lifestyle enhancements are likely to increase ridership and reinforce the city's image as a technology-advanced metropolis. RTA plans to gather usage metrics over the coming months and conduct periodic reviews with e&. The assessment will focus on network speed, coverage consistency, and user satisfaction. Successful performance could prompt expansion into other transportation modes such as trams, taxis or even ride‑hailing zones. Urban technologists view this as an incremental step toward Dubai's longer-term vision for a fully integrated smart city transport ecosystem. By integrating user feedback and data-driven monitoring, the authorities aim to maintain service quality at optimal levels. Commuters have been advised to share their experience via the Dubai Now app or RTA customer channels to support ongoing improvements.
Arabian Business
17 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai RTA completes Phase Two of smart pedestrian signal installation at 27 sites
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed Phase Two of the Smart Pedestrian Signal Expansion Project, installing smart pedestrian signals at 10 locations across the emirate. The completion brings the total number of sites equipped with smart pedestrian signals to 27, following Phase One which covered 17 intersections. The initiative forms part of RTA's strategy to use smart technologies to advance traffic systems, enhance road safety, and streamline pedestrian and vehicular movement. The project supports Dubai's ambition to position itself as a leader in infrastructure and mobility. View this post on Instagram A post shared by هيئة الطرق والمواصلات، دبي (@rta_dubai) Smart pedestrian signals expand 'The locations covered in this phase include intersections along Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Satwa Street, Salah Al Din Street, Amman Street, Al Qusais Street (near labour camps), and Oud Metha Street (in front of the school zone). Results have shown improved safety levels at these pedestrian crossings since the signals became operational, demonstrating the system's effectiveness in mitigating risk and enhancing the overall road experience for all users,' Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at RTA's Traffic and Roads Agency said in a statement. 'The smart pedestrian signal system relies on advanced detection technologies using intelligent thermal cameras. These cameras operate around the clock, accurately detecting the presence and movement of pedestrians on sidewalks and while crossing, even in low-light or night-time conditions. The system integrates with push-button devices to register actual crossing requests, thereby enhancing signal efficiency and optimising timing control,' he said. 'Results have shown improved safety levels at these pedestrian crossings since the signals became operational, demonstrating the system's effectiveness in mitigating risk and enhancing the road experience for all users,' Al Ali said. The smart pedestrian signal system operates using detection technologies with thermal cameras. The cameras function around the clock, detecting the presence and movement of pedestrians on sidewalks and whilst crossing, including in low-light and night-time conditions. 'The system integrates with push-button devices to register crossing requests, thereby enhancing signal efficiency and optimising timing control,' Al Ali explained. The signals feature sensors that adjust signal timings in real-time based on pedestrian speed. Al Ali noted this capability enhances safety for seniors, People of Determination, and children, whilst improving traffic flow by reducing vehicle stops. 'The proximity of pedestrian crossings to each other, the rate of pedestrian-related incidents at the location, road classification (including designated speed limits and the number of lanes per direction), the availability and accessibility of pedestrian bridges, and the overall road design. These factors collectively determine the feasibility and impact of installing a smart pedestrian signal at a specific site.'
