Dubai public transport, taxis hit 802 million users in 2025

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Dubai public transport, taxis hit 802 million users in 2025: authority

February 16, 2026

DUBAI,— The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai said ridership across public transport and shared mobility services hit 802.1 million in 2025, up from 747.1 million in 2024, representing a 7.4% increase, the Government of Dubai Media Office reported.

The total includes passengers using the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, and marine transport options such as abras, ferries, and water taxis. It also counts app-based vehicles, hourly rental cars, on-demand buses, and taxis run by Dubai Taxi Corporation and its franchise partners.

Daily average ridership reached 2.2 million, compared with 2 million in 2024. Premium limousine services, not included in overall public transport totals, served 23.6 million riders, rising from 19.2 million in 2024.

Overall trips across public transport, shared mobility, and taxis totaled 167.3 million, with taxis accounting for 120 million and shared mobility more than 41 million trips. October and November saw the most trips, at 15.1 million each.

October was the peak month, with 72.8 million riders, followed closely by November with 72.6 million and December with 71.4 million. Ridership during other months ranged between 61 million and 69 million, with December slightly lower due to holiday travel patterns.

RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer described the figures as evidence of a major shift in how people move around Dubai.

He noted that a 30% increase in shared mobility services shows growing reliance on alternative transport options. Al Tayer highlighted that these results reflect long-term investments in infrastructure, smart technology, and integrated service planning.

Buses in Dubai, UAE, 2025. Photo: Creative Commons/Nana Liu/pexels

He said the system’s performance demonstrates its efficiency and flexibility, with seamless coordination among metro, tram, buses, marine transport, and shared mobility. “Public transport now serves as a key pillar of sustainable urban planning,” he said.

Al Tayer added that RTA plans to add 13 kilometers of dedicated bus and taxi lanes over six new corridors, increasing the total to 20 kilometers.

These lanes are expected to boost ridership by 10%, improve bus on-time performance by 42%, and reduce travel times by 41%. A trackless tram system running on electric power and virtual tracks is also under consideration.

Dubai Metro recorded 294.7 million riders in 2025, up 7% from 2024. BurJuman Metro Station, an interchange hub, handled 17.8 million passengers, and Al Rigga had 13.8 million.

On the Red Line, Union Station saw 13.6 million riders, Mall of the Emirates 11.2 million, and Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall 10.9 million. On the Green Line, Sharaf DG led with 10.5 million, followed by Baniyas Square with 8.4 million and Stadium Station with 7.5 million.

Public buses carried 197.2 million passengers, up 5%, while marine transport served 18.4 million, a 3% increase.

Dubai Tram handled 9.9 million riders, up 5%, and shared mobility services reached 72.9 million passengers, a 30% rise. Taxis served 209 million riders, increasing 4%, while premium limousine services carried 23.6 million, up 22%.

In terms of usage share, Dubai Metro accounted for 37%, taxis 26%, public buses 25%, shared mobility 9%, marine transport 2%, and Dubai Tram 1%. Taxis’ share dropped for the third consecutive year, indicating a shift to public transport.

RTA officials said the growth demonstrates the system’s capacity to handle rising demand while offering flexible options for daily travel, supporting Dubai’s goal of a more integrated and efficient transport network.

(With files from Government of Dubai Media Office)