Latest news with #DubaiNow
Arabian Post
9 hours ago
- Business
- 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.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai now gets free Wi-Fi service at all bus and marine transport stations
Dubai commuters now have free Wi-Fi at all bus and marine stations, as part of RTA's digital upgrade with e&./ Image: DXB Media Office Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially completed the rollout of free Wi-Fi service across all 43 bus and marine transport stations in the city, offering passengers seamless internet access while commuting. The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, and is part of a joint initiative with telecom provider e& (formerly Etisalat). The service allows commuters to stay connected through their smartphones, tablets, and laptops, whether they are waiting for a bus or boarding marine transport. The RTA noted that this move is a key step in its broader digital transformation strategy, which supports Dubai's vision to become the world's smartest and happiest city. 'The initiative is part of [our] ongoing efforts to accelerate digital transformation across all our services,' RTA said in a statement. This latest initiative builds on earlier steps taken by the RTA to enhance digital services. In March 2025, the authority launched its 360 Services Policy, designed to reduce the need for in-person visits by shifting toward self-service models. These digital platforms, such as the Dubai Now app, make it easier for users to access transport-related services remotely. The free Wi-Fi coverage now includes: 21 public bus stations 22 marine transport stations This brings the total number of connected locations to 43, covering a wide network across the emirate. The RTA has confirmed that the Wi-Fi service will undergo continuous evaluation and future enhancement, to ensure the network delivers high-quality, reliable connectivity across all public transport modes. The goal, according to the RTA, is to ensure 'quality connectivity for passengers using buses and marine transport across the emirate.' RTA emphasized that the project is aimed at catering to diverse commuter needs, making journeys more convenient and productive. By allowing passengers to stay connected while on the move, the authority hopes to enhance daily commuting experiences and contribute to the city's happiness and digital accessibility targets.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
RTA reduces vehicle licencing services by 74%
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has consolidated vehicle licencing services, reducing the total number from 54 to 14 services, resulting in a drop of 74%. This step is part of the ongoing efforts to provide a unified and integrated digital experience that is seamless, secure, and focused on enhancing customer happiness. It aligns with the Government of Dubai's drive to deliver public services that meet customer expectations and improve the quality of life across the emirate. Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licencing Agency at RTA, stated, 'This step is part of the '360 Comprehensive Services' plan – a new, integrated vision built on a holistic methodology that targets key areas and efficiently supports Dubai's strategic goals of delivering seamless, proactive, and personalised services that meet rising expectations and evolving needs. The initiative also aligns with the rollout of multiple services via the unified 'Dubai Now' app, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring greater integration with other government platforms.' 'The RTA remains committed to realising its vision and mission of establishing Dubai as a global leader in smart road and transport systems, and a benchmark for seamless, sustainable, and innovative mobility. This also aligns with efforts to elevate Dubai's standing in government service excellence and advance its ambition to become the world's most digitally advanced city,' Mahboob said. He added: 'The integration of services represents a positive advancement that has enabled the reengineering of vehicle licensing procedures. This approach simplifies the customer journey, reduces the number of steps and physical visits required, and shortens processing times. It reflects a firm commitment to raising service standards for both individual and corporate clients in line with top international benchmarks. 'The integration also supports the strategy to advance smart systems and solutions by delivering enhanced services, streamlining procedures, and improving both operational efficiency and sustainability in service delivery.' The initiative is based on the adoption of advanced technologies and the integration of data with local and federal entities, aimed at enhancing licencing services and reducing procedural steps and requirements. Electronic signature functionality has been introduced through the UAE Pass digital identity, allowing access to all RTA services through a unified platform that serves vehicle owners, drivers, and public transport users.
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hi Dubai
RTA Cuts Vehicle Licensing Services by 74% to Streamline Customer Experience
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reduced its vehicle licensing services from 54 to just 14, marking a 74% drop as part of a major digital transformation initiative aimed at enhancing customer experience and service efficiency. The move is part of the RTA's '360 Comprehensive Services' plan, which seeks to unify and simplify public services through a holistic, tech-driven approach. The goal is to deliver faster, more seamless, and personalized services in line with Dubai's vision to become the world's most digitally advanced city. Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the RTA's Licensing Agency, said the overhaul aligns with broader government strategies to elevate Dubai's service excellence. 'The integration reengineers licensing procedures, reduces physical visits, shortens processing times, and supports smart mobility,' he noted. Key features of the transformation include the consolidation of services through the 'Dubai Now' app and the adoption of the UAE Pass for secure, unified digital access. One notable improvement is the Request for Vehicle Registration Certificate, which previously required 13 separate service steps but is now processed through a single, streamlined transaction. Six export and transfer-related services have also been merged under one unified category, 'Vehicle Registration Cancellation,' while service titles across the platform have been revised for clarity. By integrating with local and federal entities and adopting advanced technologies, the RTA aims to improve operational sustainability, efficiency, and the overall quality of life for both individual and corporate users. The initiative reinforces Dubai's ambition to set global benchmarks in smart transport and public service delivery. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Dubai cuts vehicle licensing services by 74% in major streamlining drive
Image: Dubai Media Office/ RTA Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reduced its total number of vehicle licensing services from 54 to 14, marking a 74 per cent reduction in services as part of a major effort to enhance operational efficiency and deliver a seamless digital experience to customers. Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA, said the consolidation is part of the authority's '360 Comprehensive Services' plan, an integrated approach designed to align with Dubai's strategic objectives of delivering streamlined and personalised government services. 'This step is part of the '360 Comprehensive Services' plan – a new, integrated vision built on a holistic methodology that targets key areas and efficiently supports Dubai's strategic goals of delivering seamless, proactive, and personalised services that meet rising expectations and evolving needs,' said Mahboob. 'The initiative also aligns with the rollout of multiple services via the unified 'Dubai Now' app, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring greater integration with other government platforms,' he added. Mahboob added that the RTA remains committed to establishing Dubai as a global benchmark for smart and sustainable transport systems, and to improving its standing in government service excellence. 'This also aligns with efforts to elevate Dubai's standing in government service excellence and advance its ambition to become the world's most digitally advanced city,' he said. Read: Simplified customer journeys with cut in vehicle licensing services The reengineering of vehicle licensing procedures has simplified customer journeys, reduced the number of steps and physical visits required, and cut processing times, according to the RTA. The reforms aim to raise service standards for both individuals and corporate clients, aligning with top international benchmarks. The initiative is supported by advanced technologies and deeper integration of data between local and federal entities. A key feature includes the introduction of electronic signatures via UAE Pass, enabling full digital access to Among the services streamlined is the Request for Vehicle Registration Certificate, which previously required 13 separate service requests but has now been consolidated into a single digital transaction. Additionally, six services related to vehicle export and transfer have been merged under a new unified service named 'Vehicle Registration Cancellation', and several service titles have been revised for clarity and simplicity.
