The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has enhanced its Seasonal Network initiative for marine transport services through the deployment of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to improve operational efficiency and service responsiveness.
The initiative is designed to strengthen the agility of Dubai’s marine transport system by enabling real-time responsiveness to fluctuations in passenger demand during peak seasons, public holidays, and major citywide events.
As part of the summer operating plan scheduled to begin in July, the system relies on an integrated big-data platform that consolidates detailed information on passenger volumes, revenue patterns, and occupancy rates.
This data-driven approach is intended to improve forecasting accuracy and support more informed operational decision-making.
Khalaf Belghuzooz Al Zarooni, Director of Marine Transport at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said that the Seasonal Network was developed using advanced in-house algorithms and AI-powered analytical tools capable of processing large and diverse datasets from multiple sources.
Al Zarooni explained that these tools enable flexible operating models that align service schedules with seasonal demand patterns while improving efficiency and customer experience across the marine transport network.
The customer needs are integrated into the system design through feedback collected via approved communication channels, ensuring that both human and technical factors are reflected in service planning.
Khalaf Belghuzooz Al Zarooni added that predictive analytics have been used to study marine transport usage patterns and assess the impact of various operational variables, including passenger numbers, occupancy rates, and revenue trends, on scheduling and service frequency.
The use of big data and advanced computing technologies has enabled the development of a dynamic operating model capable of simulating passenger behaviour and forecasting demand with greater precision.
The model supports improved network performance, enhanced operational efficiency, and adherence to international service standards while maintaining high levels of reliability and customer satisfaction.
The Seasonal Network is implemented independently for each season, ensuring continuity of service quality while supporting the long-term financial and operational sustainability of Dubai’s marine transport system.
The initiative also reinforces Dubai’s broader strategy to adopt smart mobility solutions and advanced digital technologies across its transport ecosystem, further strengthening the emirate’s position as a global leader in innovative urban mobility.
