Dubai RTA Expands China Partnerships for AI and Smart Transport

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has strengthened its cooperation with leading Chinese companies and institutions to benefit from their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, advanced transport technologies, and modern bridge and tunnel construction methods. The initiative supports the delivery of RTA’s current and future infrastructure projects while preparing Dubai’s transport network to meet the emirate’s fast-growing urban and economic development.

The announcement was made during an official visit by an RTA delegation to the People’s Republic of China. The delegation was led by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority. The visit was organised with the support of the Dubai International Chamber representative office in Shanghai and included several chief executive officers, directors, and young engineers from different RTA sectors.

RTA Signs Two Strategic MoUs

During the visit, RTA signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with CASCO SIGNAL LTD. and Huawei Technologies. The agreements aim to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, smart transport systems, rail technologies, digital infrastructure, and advanced mobility solutions.

The partnerships will also encourage knowledge sharing, technical collaboration, and the study of China's successful transport infrastructure and technology practices.

Advanced R&D Centre to Support Dubai Metro Projects

The agreement with CASCO SIGNAL LTD., a company specialising in signalling, communications, and control systems for metro and railway networks, includes plans to establish an advanced research and development (R&D) centre and innovation laboratory in Dubai.

The facility will be linked to the Dubai Metro Blue Line project as well as future metro developments. It will provide an integrated environment for system testing, functional verification, and technical training. The centre will also support the integration of signalling, communication, control, and operational systems before new projects become operational.

The innovation laboratory will carry out local acceptance testing and technical verification while supporting upgrades to both existing and future metro lines. It will also conduct specialised research in smart operations, maintenance, and AI-powered operational scheduling to improve asset management and increase the efficiency of Dubai’s metro network.

According to RTA, the centre will strengthen Dubai’s position as a regional hub for innovation in rail and public transport while encouraging technology development, knowledge transfer, and specialised skills in the sector.

Huawei Partnership Focuses on AI and Smart City Technologies

The MoU signed with Huawei Technologies focuses on expanding strategic cooperation in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, information security, networking systems, mobility management, traffic flow solutions, and future transport technologies.

The agreement includes the exchange of technical expertise, joint workshops, proof-of-concept trials, and testing of advanced technology solutions.

Both organisations will also work on developing smart city applications that support Dubai’s 20-Minute City vision. Planned initiatives include creating unified data platforms that connect different transport systems, using AI for real-time incident detection and response, developing smart operation and control centres, and strengthening digital infrastructure and backup data centres to improve business continuity.

The partnership will also explore Chinese expertise in operating smart metro systems, AI-powered monitoring and control technologies, and advanced station and public transport management solutions to improve customer service, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

Mattar Al Tayer Highlights Importance of Global Cooperation

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said the visit reflects RTA’s commitment to building stronger international partnerships with leading global organisations and learning from successful experiences in public transport, rail systems, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.

He said China has become a global leader in transport infrastructure, rail development, digital technologies, and AI by building integrated systems that combine innovation, technology, and operational excellence.

Al Tayer explained that the visit provided an opportunity for RTA to study these successful models, identify new areas for cooperation, exchange expertise, and adopt international best practices that support Dubai’s rapidly expanding transport network.

He added that RTA is focused on developing long-term strategic partnerships with major Chinese companies to support future infrastructure projects while applying advanced technologies and innovative solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

According to Al Tayer, the two newly signed MoUs demonstrate RTA’s commitment to expanding the use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, strengthening digital infrastructure, and supporting future metro and rail developments. These initiatives are expected to improve operational performance, enhance customer experience, and reinforce Dubai’s leadership in smart mobility.

Delegation Studies China's Transport and Infrastructure Success

During the visit, the RTA delegation held meetings and conducted field visits with several Chinese government organisations, institutions, and companies specialising in transport, infrastructure, urban planning, artificial intelligence, rail systems, and smart mobility.

The programme focused on strengthening cooperation, exchanging technical knowledge, exploring future partnerships, and encouraging greater participation of Chinese companies in RTA’s upcoming strategic projects.

Shanghai Transport Management Reviewed

The delegation visited the Command and Control Centre of the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission (SMTC), where officials explained how transport operations are managed in Shanghai, a city with more than 24 million residents.

The delegation reviewed coordination between roads, metro services, buses, taxis, airports, freight transport, and traffic management, while learning about operational practices used to manage large urban transport networks.

Urban Planning and 15-Minute City Concept

RTA representatives also visited the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources to study China's transport planning strategies for major cities.

The delegation learned about the implementation of the 15-minute city concept, which aims to improve residents' quality of life by reducing dependence on private vehicles through integrated urban planning and sustainable transport systems.

Experience with Shanghai Maglev Train

The delegation experienced the Shanghai Maglev, one of the world's fastest commercial train services, and reviewed the advanced technologies used in its operation and management. The visit provided insights into future rail technologies that may support Dubai’s long-term public transport plans.

Bridge, Tunnel and Smart Mobility Projects

RTA officials also toured several major road, bridge, and tunnel construction projects to examine the latest engineering methods and infrastructure technologies that could support Dubai’s future developments.

The delegation visited the Hongqiao Integrated Transport Hub, recognised as one of the world's leading examples of multimodal transport integration, to study best practices in transport hub design and surrounding urban development.

The programme concluded with visits to leading Chinese companies specialising in metro systems, autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, smart logistics, and advanced control systems. These visits support RTA’s efforts to introduce next-generation technologies into Dubai’s transport and mobility network.