Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has marked a major milestone in modernizing the city’s traffic management with Phase 1 of its central signal control system upgrade to the next-generation UTC-UX Fusion.
Early results show improvements in traffic flow across key corridors, with efficiency gains ranging from 16 to 37 percent.
The project, part of Dubai’s broader vision to become a smart and sustainable city, leverages artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and digital twin simulations to optimize signal timings. Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at RTA, said travel times improved by 10 to 20 percent overall, with specific intersections seeing gains of up to 37 percent on Jumeirah Street, 29.4 percent on Al Badaa Street, and around 16 percent on Kuwait and Omar Bin Al Khattab streets.
The upgraded system can detect congestion patterns in real time and proactively adjust signals. It enhances coordination between intersections, reduces waiting times, and prioritizes emergency vehicles, public transport, and pedestrians. The technology also supports multimodal transport and is compatible with connected vehicle systems, allowing future integration with smart devices for more precise traffic monitoring.
RTA confirmed that the upgrade will continue in multiple phases, with full completion expected by the third quarter of 2026. By then, approximately 300 intersections across Dubai will operate on the new system, promising smoother journeys for drivers, public transport users, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
The initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to deploying advanced technologies in urban infrastructure and highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to lead in smart mobility solutions.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
