Dubai, UAE – Dubai is set to revolutionize urban mobility with the introduction of the Rail Bus, an autonomous and fully solar-powered public transport system made entirely from 3D-printed recyclable materials.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled the innovative mode of transport at the World Government Summit 2025, currently taking place at Madinat Jumeirah.
Designed to enhance connectivity and sustainability, the futuristic Rail Bus is expected to play a crucial role in Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s smartest city.
With its lightweight structure and eco-friendly materials, the system is poised to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency.
A Glimpse into the Future of Public Transport
A model of the Rail Bus on display at the summit showcases its striking gold and black exterior, offering a glimpse into the future of smart transport.
The interior features two rows of bright orange seats with dedicated spaces for disabled passengers, ensuring accessibility for all. Each carriage has a capacity of 40 passengers, including 22 seats.
For passenger convenience, screens mounted above the seats will provide real-time updates on journey details, including upcoming stops, weather conditions, and time.
Additionally, safety instructions are clearly displayed inside the vehicle, with control panels located at both ends of the carriage for ease of operation.
The Rail Bus will run on an elevated track system that is planned to be developed across Dubai, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted travel.
Designed to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, the vehicle will measure 2.9 meters in height and 11.5 meters in length. The integration of solar-powered and autonomous technology ensures that the system aligns with Dubai’s vision for smart and sustainable mobility.
Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective
One of the key features of the Rail Bus is its cost-effective and environmentally friendly design. The fully autonomous system will be seamlessly integrated with Dubai’s existing public transport network to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity.
With flexible and frequent routing, it is expected to significantly improve commuter convenience and reduce reliance on conventional fuel-based transport options.
The project supports several of the UAE’s long-term sustainability goals, including the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, Dubai’s Zero-Emissions Public Transport Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2030, which aims to transition 25 percent of daily trips in the emirate to autonomous transport.
Sheikh Mohammed Inspects the Rail Bus
During the World Government Summit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inspected the Rail Bus model at the RTA platform.
He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE.
Sheikh Mohammed’s visit underscored the leadership’s commitment to fostering innovation in transportation and sustainability.
With no confirmed launch date yet, the Rail Bus is expected to reshape Dubai’s public transport landscape, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as a global pioneer in smart and sustainable mobility.
As Dubai continues to push the boundaries of technological advancements, the introduction of the Rail Bus marks yet another milestone in the city’s journey toward a smarter, more efficient, and environmentally conscious future.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members