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.
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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.
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