Dubai is set to revolutionize road travel with its upcoming smart traffic system, linking traffic signals directly to vehicles. By using AI and real-time communication, the system promises smoother commutes, reduced congestion, and enhanced road safety for all drivers across the city.
Dubai, UAE: In a significant stride towards modernizing urban mobility, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to introduce a groundbreaking smart traffic system designed to enhance road safety, reduce congestion, and optimize traffic flow across the city. Scheduled for rollout between 2027 and 2028, this initiative will connect traffic signals to vehicles, marking a pivotal advancement in Dubai's Smart Connected Vehicles project.
Table of contents [Show]
The upcoming system, known as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), aims to integrate traffic infrastructure with connected vehicles, enabling real-time communication between traffic signals and vehicles on the road. This integration will allow vehicles to receive live updates on traffic conditions, signal changes, and potential hazards directly on their dashboards, facilitating informed decision-making and smoother commutes.
Engineer Salahuddin Al Marzooqi, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Department, emphasized that the V2X network will serve as a core component of Dubai’s next-generation traffic signal operations. Integrated into the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre (DITSC), the system will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technologies to enhance signal performance and optimize traffic flow across the city.
The V2X system is designed to provide several advantages for drivers:
The V2X system leverages several advanced technologies to achieve its objectives:
The V2X system aligns with Dubai's broader vision of becoming a global leader in smart city infrastructure and sustainable urban transport. By incorporating AI, digital twin technology, and C-ITS, the system supports multimodal mobility, including private vehicles, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians, while also enabling future integration with connected vehicle technologies and smart devices for real-time data analysis.
This initiative is part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and improve the overall commuting experience for residents and visitors alike. The deployment of this intelligent traffic control system underscores Dubai’s commitment to leveraging technology for smarter, safer, and more sustainable urban mobility.
The phased implementation of the V2X system is set to commence in 2027, with the full rollout expected by 2028. In the initial stages, approximately 620 intersections and traffic lights will be equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support the system. As the project progresses, additional intersections will be integrated, expanding the system's coverage across the city.
Looking ahead, RTA envisions further advancements in smart traffic management, including the integration of autonomous vehicles, enhanced data analytics, and the development of more sophisticated traffic control algorithms. These developments aim to create a seamless and efficient transportation network that caters to the evolving needs of Dubai's growing population.
Dubai's upcoming V2X smart traffic system represents a significant leap forward in the realm of urban mobility. By harnessing the power of AI, digital twin technology, and C-ITS, the system promises to transform the city's traffic landscape, offering enhanced safety, reduced congestion, and improved efficiency for all road users.
As the project moves closer to its implementation phase, stakeholders, including vehicle manufacturers, technology providers, and urban planners, will need to collaborate closely to ensure the successful integration of the system into Dubai's existing infrastructure. With continued innovation and strategic planning, Dubai is poised to set new standards in smart traffic management, paving the way for a more connected and sustainable future.
