RTA targets AED 300m annual value from expanded AI strategy

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has launched an updated artificial intelligence strategy covering 41 areas across its agencies, sectors and departments.

Over the next two and a half years, the RTA plans to develop around 200 AI products and generate more than AED 300 million in annual added value.

The strategy also aims to shift 50 per cent of operations and services into an Agentic AI ecosystem.

Among the targets are a 3 to 5 per cent reduction in traffic congestion, a 20 to 30 per cent cut in complaint and case processing times, and shorter waiting and service times at Customer Happiness Centres.

The RTA is also targeting a 10 to 20 per cent reduction in accidents involving newly licensed drivers, along with shorter procurement cycles and savings in operational and engineering working hours.

The first two rollout waves cover 11 business areas, including traffic, vehicle licensing, roads, bus operations, procurement, customer services and human resources.

Forty AI products have been identified in the initial phase, with 11 already completed.

Projects include an upgraded Mahboub chatbot capable of completing vehicle licensing transactions, an AI-powered system for processing No Objection Certificates, automated licensing document audits and an Agentic AI bus network planner.

The upgraded Mahboub platform will allow customers to complete five vehicle licensing services through the RTA app, website and WhatsApp, with some transactions taking less than five minutes.

The new eNOC system is intended to speed up the review of applications for works near RTA assets, while the licensing audit system is designed to expand checks from sample-based reviews to full coverage within its scope.

The bus network planner will use around 20 AI agents to analyse performance, identify service gaps and recommend changes to routes and operations.

RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer said the strategy is intended to move the authority beyond AI systems that simply support operations towards systems capable of analysing data, predicting outcomes and delivering end-to-end services.