Nearly 400 million trips recorded in H1 2025 as Dubai’s mobility network sets global benchmarks
Dubai’s public transport system registered an astounding 395.3 million rides in the first half of 2025—exceeding the total population of the United States. This milestone marks a 9% jump from the same period in 2024 and underlines the emirate’s transformation into a model of sustainable urban mobility, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Dubai Metro and Taxis Dominate Ridership; Blue Line to Serve 1 Million Residents
On July 27, 2025, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed ridership statistics across multiple modes of transport: Metro, Tram, buses, marine, taxis, and shared mobility options. The average daily public transport usage hit 2.18 million, rising from 1.98 million the previous year.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA, said the surge reflects public confidence in the network’s efficiency and safety. “Dubai’s public transport is no longer just a service—it’s the backbone of daily life,” he stated, adding that usage has grown from just 6% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2024.
Metro records 144 million riders; BurJuman, Al Rigga, and Union stations among busiest stations
Dubai Metro led all transport modes with 36.5% of total trips, amounting to around 143.9 million riders. Taxis followed with 26% (103.5 million), while public buses served 95.7 million passengers (24%).
The busiest metro stations included:
- BurJuman Station – 8.6 million riders
- Al Rigga Station – 6.8 million
- Union Station – 6.6 million
The Red Line’s busiest stops were Mall of the Emirates (5.6M), Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (5.4M), and Business Bay (5.3M). On the Green Line, Sharaf DG led with 5.1M riders.
Other ridership numbers:
- Dubai Tram – 4.9 million
- Marine Transport – 9.7 million
- Shared Mobility (apps, rentals, on-demand buses) – 37.6 million
Blue Line Set to Transform Urban Connectivity by 2040
A cornerstone of Dubai’s transit expansion is the upcoming Blue Line, which will span 30 km and include 14 new stations connecting nine key districts and benefiting over 1 million residents. It will feature the world’s tallest metro station—the 74-metre-high Emaar Properties station.
Expected to carry up to 200,000 riders daily by 2030 and 320,000 by 2040, the Blue Line supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan, aimed at enabling inclusive and connected growth across the emirate.
Eco-Friendly Future: Full Electric and Hydrogen Bus Fleet by 2050
As part of its green agenda, RTA has signed four contracts to procure 637 low-emission Euro 6-standard buses, including 40 electric units—the largest fleet of its kind in the UAE. Delivery is expected between 2025 and 2026. This supports Dubai’s long-term goal to fully electrify its bus fleet by 2050.
Additionally, the RTA has completed 16 new passenger stations and six bus depots, further enhancing service quality and reach.
A Vision Realised: Dubai Redefines Global Urban Transport Standards
Dubai’s public transport evolution is not just about numbers—it’s a symbol of urban resilience, smart planning, and inclusive growth. From a 6% ridership share in 2006 to nearly 2.2 million daily trips in 2025, the city’s mobility network now rivals entire nations in scope and ambition.
