Dubai is set to undertake the largest electric bus rollout in the UAE as part of an ambitious strategy to create a fully sustainable and zero-emission public transport network.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to introduce 735 electric buses across the emirate in 2026, marking a major milestone in the city’s wider environmental and transport transformation agenda.
The initiative forms part of Dubai’s ongoing commitment to cleaner mobility solutions and aligns with broader sustainability objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 as well as the UAE’s national climate neutrality strategy. Authorities believe the move will significantly strengthen the country’s clean transportation infrastructure while reducing the environmental impact of public transit operations.
Dubai has already begun integrating environmentally friendly vehicles into its transport system. At present, the emirate operates 40 electric buses alongside hydrogen-powered vehicles as part of a gradual transition towards alternative energy transport solutions.
To support the expanded fleet, the RTA has invested in charging infrastructure across several strategic locations. A total of 32 high-capacity charging stations have been installed at five major depots, including facilities in Al Quoz, Jebel Ali and Business Bay. These depots are expected to play a central role in maintaining and operating the larger electric fleet once it becomes fully operational.
Already in service
One of the newly introduced electric buses has already entered service on Route F13. The vehicle is equipped with a 470-kWh battery and is capable of travelling up to 370 kilometres on a single charge, demonstrating the growing capability of electric public transport technology in the region.
Officials are continuing to carry out extensive performance evaluations covering battery efficiency, charging duration, energy consumption, emissions reduction and passenger comfort. Early assessments have produced encouraging results, with customer and driver satisfaction rates reportedly exceeding 95%.
According to the RTA, greenhouse gas emissions fell by 12% year-on-year in 2025, while the adoption of electric buses contributed to savings of nearly 59,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Dubai is aiming to reduce transport-related emissions by 30% before 2030 as it progresses towards its long-term objective of establishing a completely emission-free public transportation system by 2050.
