Dubai has taken another step to enhance its tourism sector by assigning the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) the responsibility of issuing permits and licences for tourist transport. The move is designed to simplify procedures, ensure higher safety standards, and offer visitors a smoother travel experience across the emirate.
Dubai, UAE: In a move set to boost the emirate’s growing tourism industry, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that it will now oversee the issuance of permits and licences for tourist transport services. The decision centralizes regulation under the RTA, ensuring higher efficiency, safety standards, and improved services for millions of visitors exploring the city.
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Tourism plays a central role in Dubai’s economy, with the emirate welcoming more than 17 million international visitors in recent years. From desert safaris and luxury yacht cruises to cultural tours and city sightseeing, transport services are integral to providing a seamless travel experience.
By allowing RTA to handle permits and licences for tourist transport operators, Dubai aims to create a more streamlined system that aligns with its wider vision of being the world’s most visited and tourist-friendly destination.
The change will cover companies offering services such as:
Tourist buses and coaches.
Chauffeur-driven cars for visitors.
Specialised vehicles for city tours.
Shuttle services between hotels, malls, and attractions.
Previously, different entities handled approvals for tourism-related transport. This sometimes led to duplication of procedures, delays, or varying service quality. By consolidating responsibilities under the RTA, the government expects to:
Simplify licensing for companies entering the market.
Ensure safety and compliance with international standards.
Monitor quality of vehicles and services more effectively.
Support innovation, such as introducing eco-friendly or smart transport solutions for tourists.
Officials say the unified approach will reduce red tape, help businesses expand faster, and improve overall visitor satisfaction.
For private companies and tour operators, this decision provides clarity and ease of operation. Businesses can now apply for all necessary permits through a single regulatory authority, reducing time and costs.
It also encourages healthy competition in the sector, as operators who maintain high standards in safety, comfort, and customer service will stand out. In turn, this enhances Dubai’s global reputation as a destination that offers not just luxury, but also reliability and efficiency.
The move comes as part of the emirate’s long-term strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen tourism’s role as a driver of growth. With Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) targeting the doubling of the emirate’s economy in the coming decade, tourism remains one of the key pillars.
Transport is seen as a critical enabler of this goal, ensuring that millions of tourists can move around the city comfortably—whether it’s for leisure, shopping, or business. By placing the responsibility in RTA’s hands, Dubai ensures that the system matches its ambitious growth targets.
The RTA has long been known for its innovation in transport, from driverless metro systems to smart taxis. Its involvement in tourist transport promises better integration of technology into the sector.
Expectations include:
Tracking and monitoring systems in tourist buses for safety.
Digital permits and licences to simplify processes.
Eco-friendly vehicles, including electric and hybrid options for city tours.
Smart route planning, ensuring tourists experience Dubai’s highlights without delays.
These steps not only ensure safety but also enhance Dubai’s positioning as a sustainable tourism hub.
For the millions of visitors who come to Dubai each year, the change promises a more seamless and reliable travel experience. Tourists can expect licensed operators that meet clear RTA standards, reducing the risk of unregulated or unsafe services.
With enhanced oversight, tourists will also gain confidence that vehicles are properly maintained, drivers are trained, and services are aligned with Dubai’s image of world-class hospitality.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the move, calling it a “timely step” that addresses the increasing demand for structured and safe transportation in a rapidly growing market. Many tour operators believe that RTA’s involvement will help raise industry benchmarks and introduce more innovation.
Experts also note that this shift makes Dubai’s regulatory environment more attractive for international investors in the tourism sector, especially those looking to launch or expand premium travel services.
As Dubai gears up to welcome even more tourists in the coming years, the RTA’s expanded role ensures that transport keeps pace with rising demand. With better oversight, streamlined procedures, and innovative services, the emirate is setting a new global standard for how tourism transport should be managed.
The move also aligns with Dubai’s ongoing transformation into a smart city, where technology, sustainability, and customer-centric policies drive every sector forward.
By taking over the issuance of permits and licences for tourist transport, Dubai’s RTA is making a clear statement: the emirate is committed to delivering safe, efficient, and world-class services for visitors. The decision strengthens Dubai’s tourism infrastructure, supports businesses, and enhances the experience of millions who explore the city every year.
As Dubai continues to climb the ranks of top global destinations, this regulatory shift ensures that its tourism transport sector is not only ready for today—but also prepared for the future.
