Dubai streets to be covered with 100% smart traffic systems within 3 years

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to operate 100% smart traffic systems in the emirate over the next three years through the Dubai Centre for Intelligent Traffic Systems, which is one of the latest and largest advanced traffic control centres in the world, supported by artificial intelligence, big data management and the Internet of Things technologies. It plays a vital role in managing traffic in the Emirate of Dubai, alleviating traffic congestion, and managing emergencies and events.

“This plan will contribute to improving accident monitoring, as the newly established modern control centre has improved the incident monitoring rate to 60%, increased response time by 30%, and improved travel time by 20%, compared to only 11% coverage through the old control centre,” said Mohammed Al Ali, Director of the Intelligent Traffic Systems Department at the RTA.

He added in statements to journalists on the sidelines of the 30th session of the World Intelligent Transport Systems Conference and Exhibition that the plan includes comprehensive coverage of all road networks in Dubai, as the coverage rate of smart systems will increase from 60% currently to 100% over the next three years.

Al Ali explained that these systems will work directly by exchanging traffic information with vehicles and infrastructure, through “joint interaction” technologies that allow vehicles to communicate with traffic signals and with each other, which contributes to improving traffic in a proactive manner, especially since the center includes advanced smart systems, including traffic data analysis via devices connected to the field, adding: “We have traffic monitoring devices, surveillance cameras and sensors to sense weather conditions, all of which send information to the smart traffic system (I traffic), which is one of the most modern systems in the world in data analysis, and based on the analysis it suggests response systems, such as how to deal with congestion, and then displays it automatically on the boards.”

He stressed that the full implementation of smart systems in the emirate will contribute to reducing congestion, especially during peak times, as drivers will be directed via 112 signboards spread across the emirate of Dubai to use alternative routes or use public transport to relieve pressure on the roads. He explained that all systems are smart and greatly facilitate traffic flow, even in the event of events, plans are made for the public to facilitate their access to their destinations.

Al Ali pointed out that the Roads and Transport Authority is working to promote the use of public transport as part of its strategy to reduce traffic congestion, noting the importance of directing the public towards sustainable mobility solutions. He explained that these efforts are in line with the best international practices and contribute to improving the quality of life in the city, as Dubai aims to become a global model in managing smart traffic systems.

The Director of the Intelligent Traffic Systems Department at RTA Dubai touched on the Authority’s cooperation with Dubai Police in managing accidents, explaining that the time to reach the broken-down vehicles targeted by the Authority was 15 minutes, and removing them from the road within a period not exceeding 10 minutes. However, the centre succeeded in achieving an arrival time of 8 minutes, and a response speed of 6 minutes, which contributed to reducing the response time and improving traffic flow. He said, “When we arrive early, we secure the vehicle from a secondary accident, and we are able to remove it as quickly as possible.”

Al Ali stressed that the Authority continues to test the new systems in the field to ensure that the public interacts with them effectively, noting that artificial intelligence technologies will enable the system to predict congestion and take appropriate measures before it occurs, ensuring a smooth and safe traffic experience.

Al Ali added that the new systems rely on real-time analysis of traffic data coming from hundreds of devices deployed in the field, including surveillance cameras, weather sensors, and smart monitoring stations.

He explained that the devices send data to the advanced system, which automatically analyzes it to make immediate decisions, such as changing the timing of traffic signals, or directing drivers to alternative routes in the event of congestion or accidents. He pointed out that once the project is completed, the use of modern technologies called “joint interaction technologies” between vehicles and each other, and between vehicles and the infrastructure, will contribute to providing information and supplying it to cars. If there is congestion or otherwise, it will appear automatically in the Google Maps application for drivers.

Regarding the network that is being worked on, he said: “We currently have a network connected to underground fiber optic lines, and we are also studying the application of 5G technology provided by telecommunications companies, and how to use it in the future, so that we do not need to use cables that pass underground.”

He said: “We seek to achieve zero accidents in the emirate, improve travel time, and encourage public transportation in light of the projects we are implementing. In the field of transportation, if we can improve traffic by 20%, this is a good achievement according to global indicators.”

• 112 signboards for using alternative roads and public transport in Dubai.