The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in the emirate of Dubai announced on Monday the introduction of a new type of public transport – a rail bus, which is completely printed on a 3D printer from environmentally friendly materials, Khaleej Times has reported. The development is designed to change the approach to transportation, as it will operate on solar panels and have autonomous control.
At the World Government Summit 2025, which is taking place in Madinat Jumeirah, visitors can get acquainted with a demonstration model of a rail bus. Experts draw attention to the spectacular gold-black design, as well as functionality: the transport is equipped with two rows of orange seats, and there are places for passengers with special needs. Each car has 22 seats, and the total capacity is 40 people.
UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy
Screens above the seats will inform passengers in real time about the route, weather, time and next stops. Safety instructions are placed on both sides of the cabin, and control panels are provided at both ends of the car. Given the regular routes and flexible schedule, the rail bus is planned to be integrated with other types of public transport to provide passengers with a seamless service during the “first and last mile” of the journey.
The novelty will run on an elevated track, which will be built throughout the emirate. According to the design indicators, the speed of movement can reach 100 km/h, and the dimensions of the transport are 2.9 meters high and 11.5 meters long. It will be completely powered by solar energy, and the control will be carried out autonomously. The project is in line with Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s smartest city and supports a number of national initiatives: the UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050, Dubai’s Zero Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050 and Dubai’s Autonomous Transport Strategy 2030, which aims to make 25 percent of daily journeys autonomous.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid
With its lightweight and modular 3D-printed design, the Rail Bus will minimise its environmental impact while delivering high levels of efficiency. While a launch date has not yet been set, the authorities are confident that the innovation will reinforce Dubai’s image as a global leader in smart and green mobility.
The new bus was already inspected by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during a visit to the RTA stand at the World Government Summit. He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE.