Dubai is set to get an innovative mode of public transport – the Rail Bus, a completely 3D-printed vehicle made from recyclable material, the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced last month. Still in development, the autonomous, solar-powered system is expected to revolutionise urban mobility in the emirate, according a report in Khaleej Times .
A modsel of the Rail Bus, it said,was displayed at the World Government Summit 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah. With its striking gold and black exterior, the bus features two rows of orange seats and space for disabled passengers, ensuring accessibility for all. Each carriage has 22 seats and can accommodate 40 passengers.
Screens placed above the seats will give real-time live updates about the journey including the next stops, weather and time, said the Khaleej Times report. Passenger safety instructions are put up on either side of the bus and there are control panels on both ends of the carriage.
With frequent and flexible routing, the bus will be integrated with other public transport systems to ensure a connected, efficient, and seamless mobility experience, particularly for first- and last-mile travel.
The low-cost system will run on elevated tracks, which are expected to be built around the emirate. Designed to go upto 100kmph, the bus will measure 2.9 meters in height and 11.5 meters in length and will be fully powered by solar energy and driven autonomously.
The project aligns with Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s smartest city and supports key national strategies, 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 per cent of daily trips to autonomous journeys.
Smart, sustainable
With its lightweight, scalable 3Dprinted structure, the Rail Bus minimises environmental impact while maximising efficiency. Although the launch date remains unconfirmed, the system is set to transform public transport and reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in smart, sustainable mobility.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, checked the new bus during a visit to the RTA platform at the World Government Summit.
He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE.
