New Dubai Bus Routes & Network Updates (2026)
RTA has launched 5 new bus routes and completed 595 modern bus shelters. From Route 31 to the new X91 express, here is your complete guide to the 2026 network updates.
By Rifat Hossain
Dubai’s public transport network is evolving rapidly. As of December 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reached major milestones in infrastructure and connectivity to serve the city’s growing population.
Whether you commute to Silicon Oasis, live in Al Qusais, or visit Global Village, these updates affect your daily travel. Here is the complete breakdown of new Dubai bus routes and infrastructure upgrades.
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🚏 Major Infrastructure Upgrade: 595 New Shelters
In a massive push to improve passenger comfort, the RTA announced in December 2025 the completion of 595 new bus shelters. This marks 89% completion of their project to build 762 shelters citywide.
Why this matters:
- Comfort: Modern aesthetic designs with improved amenities.
- Capacity: The network now serves over 192 million passengers annually.
- Strategic Design: Shelters are now categorized into four models based on daily usage:
- Main Stops: >750 daily passengers.
- Secondary Stops: 250–750 daily passengers.
- Primary Stops: 100–250 daily passengers.
- Pick-up/Drop-off Stations: For flexible demand.
🆕 5 New Bus Routes Launched (August 2025)
To improve connectivity in developing areas, RTA inaugurated five completely new routes on August 29, 2025.
1. Bus 31: Silicon Oasis ↔ Outsource City
- Route: Dubai Silicon Oasis to Dubai Outsource City.
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes (Peak hours).
- Best For: Tech professionals needing a direct link between these two business hubs.
2. Bus 62A: Al Qusais Industrial to Metro
- Route: Al Qusais Industrial Area to Al Qusais Metro Station.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Best For: Workers commuting from the industrial zone to the metro network.
3. Bus 62B: Al Qusais Metro to Samari Residences
- Route: Al Qusais Metro Station to Ras Al Khor – Samari Residences.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Best For: Residents connecting to the metro system.
4. Bus F26A: Onpassive Station to Al Quoz
- Route: Onpassive Bus Station to Al Quoz Industrial Area 4.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Type: Feeder route serving the industrial workforce.
5. Bus X91: The New Express Service
- Route: Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Jebel Ali Bus Station.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Key Feature: This is an Express Service that skips minor stops for a faster commute. Unlike the standard Bus 91, it does not stop at Business Bay Metro Station.
🔄 Key Route Modifications & Enhancements
Beyond new routes, RTA optimized nine existing lines to improve efficiency.
Routes Converted to Two-Way Service
Three routes were changed from "circular" (one-way loops) to two-directional trips for better reliability:
- Bus 7: Now runs between Al Quoz Bus Station and Al Satwa Bus Station.
- Bus F62: Now runs between Emirates Metro Station and Nad Al Hamar.
- Bus 77: Now runs between Baniyas Square Metro Station and Al Garhoud.
Routes Shortened for Efficiency
- Bus 91: Now operates only between Al Ghubaiba and Business Bay Metro Station (Northbound). Use Bus X91 for the full Jebel Ali trip.
- Bus X25: Shortened to operate between Al Karama Bus Station and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
- Bus 50: No longer passes through Dubai Outsource City (use Bus 31 instead).
Rerouted Services
- Bus 21A & Bus 21B: Adjusted to operate between Al Quoz Bus Station and Al Ghubaiba Bus Station.
- Bus J01: Rerouted within Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) to improve community coverage.
📲 Bus-On-Demand Service Expansion
The "Bus-On-Demand" service allows you to book a flexible ride via the S'hail app for a flat rate of AED 5. In 2025, this eco-friendly service expanded to 10 locations.
New Areas Added in 2025:
- Oud Metha: (Added March 2025)
- Barsha Heights (TECOM): (Added March 2025)
- Business Bay: (Added Feb 2024)
- Downtown Dubai: (Added Late 2024)
These electric/hybrid buses reduce carbon emissions by 40% and have cut commute times by 20% in pilot areas.
🎡 Seasonal: Global Village Bus Routes
The Global Village season (October–April) brings back dedicated direct routes. These services run from 3:30 PM to 12:00 AM daily.
| Route Number | From | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bus 102 | Al Rashidiya Bus Station | 10–15 mins |
| Bus 103 | Union Metro Station | 10–15 mins |
| Bus 104 | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | 15–20 mins |
| Bus 106 | Mall of the Emirates | 20 mins |
| Bus 108 | Al Satwa Bus Station | 25 mins |
🛣️ Future Vision: Dedicated Lanes
To beat traffic, RTA announced in May 2025 the development of six new dedicated bus/taxi lanes covering 13km. This brings the total dedicated lane network to 20km.
Expected Benefits:
- 42% improvement in bus arrival times.
- 41% reduction in journey times.
- 10% increase in passenger numbers.
With a fleet of 1,390 buses covering 88% of Dubai's land area, these updates ensure that the Dubai bus update today is positive: faster, more comfortable, and better connected than ever.
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