Dubai’s Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) technology, covering 60 per cent of the emirate’s road network, has reportedly reduced travel times by up to 20 per cent, according to a statement from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The RTA plans to extend ITS across the entire 710 km road network by 2026.
The ITS aims to improve traffic flow in Dubai, comprising 311 surveillance cameras, 227 incident monitoring and vehicle counting devices, and 112 Variable Message Signs (VMS) providing real-time road information.
Phase I included 115 travel time and speed measurement devices and 17 weather sensor stations.
The system operates on 660 km of electric power lines and an 820 km fibre optic network.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA, stated, “The project has enhanced incident monitoring by 63 per cent, reduced response times by 30 per cent, improved traffic flow, increased management efficiency, and cut journey times by 20 per cent using Variable Message Signs (VMS).”
The system integrates with the Enterprise Command and Control Centre and Dubai Police General HQ.
RTA manages the system through its ITS Centre in Al Barsha, Dubai, which utilises AI, big data, IoT, advanced communication systems, and monitoring devices.
It connects fully to Dubai’s traffic lights control system and features an AI-powered traffic control system named “iTraffic.”
In support of Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s smartest city, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has commissioned RTA to undertake a Phase II study to expand ITS.
This next phase is set to employ advanced technologies like Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS).
