Dubai unveils the Rail Bus, a 3D-printed, solar-powered autonomous vehicle set to transform urban transport with seamless, sustainable, and efficient mobility.
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| RTA’s Rail Bus, a 3D-printed, solar-powered autonomous vehicle, is set to revolutionize Dubai’s transport system, enhancing connectivity and sustainability. Image Courtesy: KT |
Dubai, UAE — February 16, 2025:
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled the Rail Bus, a groundbreaking addition to the city’s transport network. Fully solar-powered and 3D-printed from recyclable materials, the autonomous vehicle promises to redefine urban mobility with efficiency, sustainability, and seamless connectivity.
A prototype of the Rail Bus is currently on display at the World Government Summit 2025 in Madinat Jumeirah, showcasing its sleek gold and black exterior, two rows of orange seats, and designated spaces for passengers with disabilities. Overhead screens provide real-time journey updates, including upcoming stops, weather conditions, and time, while safety instructions are clearly displayed on both sides of the carriage. Control panels at both ends ensure smooth operation.
Each carriage features 22 seats and can accommodate up to 40 passengers. The system will run on elevated tracks across Dubai, integrating with existing public transport to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h, the vehicle stands 2.9 meters tall and measures 11.5 meters in length.
The Rail Bus aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s smartest city and supports key national sustainability goals, 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 automate 25 percent of daily trips.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, inspected the Rail Bus during a visit to the RTA platform at the summit, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE.
Though an official launch date has not been announced, the Rail Bus is expected to revolutionize Dubai’s public transport system, reinforcing the city’s status as a global leader in smart, sustainable mobility.