Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its strategic partnerships with leading Chinese companies and institutions to leverage expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, smart transport technologies, and advanced bridge and tunnel construction, supporting Dubai’s future mobility projects and transport infrastructure.
The partnerships were announced during an official visit to China by an RTA delegation led by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. The visit was organized with the support of the Dubai International Chamber representative office in Shanghai and included CEOs, directors and young engineers from across the authority.
During the visit, RTA signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with CASCO SIGNAL LTD. and Huawei Technologies to strengthen cooperation in AI, smart transport systems, rail technologies and digital infrastructure, while reviewing China’s best practices in transport development.
The MoU with CASCO SIGNAL LTD., a specialist in signaling, communications and control systems for metro and rail networks, provides for the establishment of an advanced research and development center and innovation laboratory in Dubai linked to the Dubai Metro Blue Line project and future metro developments.
The center will provide an integrated environment for system testing, functional verification and training, while supporting the integration of signaling, communications, control and operations systems. It will enable technical testing in an environment simulating actual operating conditions to improve project readiness before service begins.
The laboratory will also serve as a platform for local acceptance testing and technical verification, while supporting the development and modernization of existing and future metro lines. It will conduct specialized research in smart operations, maintenance and AI-driven operational scheduling to improve asset management and metro network efficiency.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Dubai’s position as a regional hub for rail and public transport innovation by supporting technology development, knowledge transfer and specialized capability building.
Dubai RTA seals deal with Huawei Technologies
The MoU with Huawei Technologies focuses on expanding strategic cooperation in emerging technologies, AI, information security, networking systems, mobility and traffic management, and future transport solutions.
Image Credits: WAM | Cropped by GBN
The agreement also covers technical knowledge exchange, joint workshops, proof-of-concept trials, and testing and validation of advanced technology solutions.
Cooperation areas include developing AI applications supporting Dubai’s 20-Minute City vision, establishing unified transport data platforms, deploying AI for real-time incident detection and response, developing smart operations and control centers, and enhancing digital infrastructure and redundant data centers to improve operational efficiency and business continuity.
The agreement also explores opportunities to benefit from Chinese expertise in smart metro operations, AI-enabled monitoring systems, and station and public transport management to enhance customer service, operational efficiency and sustainability.
Mattar Al Tayer said the visit reflects RTA’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and adopting global best practices in public transport, rail, digital transformation and artificial intelligence to support Dubai’s future mobility agenda.
Mattar Al Tayer Director General, Chairman of Board of Executive Directors, RTA
“Through this visit, RTA seeks to gain first-hand insight into these leading experiences, explore new opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and adopt global best practices that support the development of Dubai’s transport system and keep pace with the emirate’s rapid urban and economic growth. RTA is also working to build long-term strategic partnerships with leading Chinese companies and leverage their advanced expertise in delivering major infrastructure and transport projects, while deploying the latest technologies and innovative solutions that support RTA’s future projects in line with the highest standards of efficiency, quality and sustainability.”
Al Tayer added that, “The two MoUs signed during the visit underline RTA’s direction towards expanding the use of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence across various areas of work, developing the digital infrastructure that supports the transport sector, and advancing future rail and metro projects. These efforts will help improve operational efficiency, raise service quality, enhance customer experience, and reinforce Dubai’s leadership in smart mobility.”
Delegation reviews China’s transport innovations
The delegation held meetings and field visits with leading Chinese government entities and companies specializing in transport, infrastructure, urban planning, AI, rail and smart mobility to strengthen cooperation and explore future partnerships.
Image Credits: Dubai RTA | Cropped by GBN
The program included visits to Shanghai’s integrated transport management system, the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission’s Command and Control Centre, the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources, the Shanghai Maglev train, major road, bridge and tunnel projects, and the Hongqiao Integrated Transport Hub.
The delegation also reviewed advanced rail, autonomous driving and AI technologies, including smart metro operations, predictive maintenance, intelligent control systems, autonomous vehicles and smart logistics, supporting RTA’s future transport and mobility plans.
