How Dubai’s New Rules for Tourist Transport Are Changing the Game for Operators & Travelers
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Dubai has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to transforming travel experiences. From record-breaking visitor numbers to world-class infrastructure, the emirate continuously redefines global tourism standards. Its latest move — a new Executive Regulation for tourist transport — is another major step in shaping a safer, smarter, and more streamlined mobility system for both operators and travelers.
Table of Contents
- A Regulatory Overhaul That Raises the Bar
- Key Responsibilities Under the New Regulation
- Strategic Goals – Quality, Safety & Global Leadership
- Why This Matters Now – A Growing Transport & Tourism Ecosystem
- Tourism on the Rise – Setting the Stage for High Standards
- Benefits for Operators and Travelers
- Looking Ahead – A Smarter, Safer Future
- Frequently asked questions
A Regulatory Overhaul That Raises the Bar
Introduced under Administrative Decision No. (97) of 2025 following Executive Council Resolution No. (107) of 2023, this regulation forms a comprehensive framework to elevate the tourist transport sector. Spearheaded by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with the Department of Economy and Tourism, the new rules are designed to standardize operations, enhance quality, and align Dubai’s transport services with global benchmarks.
Key Responsibilities Under the New Regulation
The regulation assigns critical operational roles to the RTA, ensuring the sector runs efficiently and transparently. These include:
- Issuing and renewing permits for tourist transport companies
- Registering and renewing tourist vehicles
- Granting professional licenses for tourist transport drivers
All applications and processes will be managed through RTA’s authorized service channels and centers, creating a streamlined, digital-first experience for operators. This structure ensures that every stakeholder — from drivers to large operators — is compliant with international best practices.
Strategic Goals – Quality, Safety & Global Leadership
The regulation is a cornerstone of Dubai’s long-term strategy to develop an integrated, high-quality tourist transport system. Its key objectives include:
- Improving service quality across all transport offerings tailored to tourists
- Strengthening safety and comfort standards for travelers
- Aligning regulatory practices with global benchmarks
- Supporting Dubai’s broader ambition to become a leading tourism and mobility hub
By implementing these measures, Dubai is creating a more structured and predictable environment for transport companies and institutions while delivering exceptional service standards for visitors.
Why This Matters Now – A Growing Transport & Tourism Ecosystem
The timing of this regulation coincides with Dubai’s booming public transport and tourism sectors. In the first half of 2025 alone, the city recorded 395.3 million public transport rides — a 9% increase compared to 2024.
Ridership breakdown for H1 2025:
- Dubai Metro: 36.5%
- Taxis: 26%
- Public Buses: 24%
Meanwhile, the Dubai Metro Blue Line extension is underway, set to connect 1 million residents across 14 new stations. This expansion complements the new regulation by ensuring smoother connectivity, better coverage, and enhanced reliability — vital factors for both tourists and operators.
Tourism on the Rise – Setting the Stage for High Standards
Dubai’s robust tourism performance underscores the importance of a regulated, high-standard transport framework. In the first six months of 2025, the city welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors, surpassing the total for all of 2024.
Key tourism metrics for H1 2025:
- Hotel occupancy rate: 80.6%
- Average daily rate: Up by 5%
- Revenue per available room: Increased by 7%
- Dubai International Airport passenger traffic: 46 million
These figures cement Dubai’s position as a global travel hub and highlight the crucial role transport plays in supporting visitor experiences. The new regulation ensures the city’s transport infrastructure is ready to meet growing demand while maintaining world-class service levels.
Benefits for Operators and Travelers
For operators, the regulation creates a fair, transparent, and efficient framework to run their services, reduce administrative hurdles, and improve compliance. For travelers, it promises safer journeys, higher service quality, and smoother access to the emirate’s many attractions.
Looking Ahead – A Smarter, Safer Future
Dubai’s new tourist transport regulation isn’t just about rules — it’s about setting a new benchmark for mobility in tourism. By prioritizing safety, quality, and efficiency, the emirate is ensuring that both operators and travelers enjoy a more seamless and rewarding experience.
With its strong regulatory foundation, integrated public transport network, and growing tourism numbers, Dubai is poised to lead the way in innovative, world-class tourist transport systems — a true game-changer for the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Dubai’s new regulation on tourist transport?
It is an Executive Regulation enacted under Administrative Decision No. (97) of 2025 to create a structured, high-quality framework for tourist transport operators, vehicles, and drivers.
Who is responsible for implementing the new rules?
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Department of Economy and Tourism, oversees issuing permits, registering vehicles, and licensing drivers under the new regulation.
How will the new regulation benefit tourist transport operators?
Operators will enjoy streamlined licensing and permit processes, clearer compliance standards, and a more transparent business environment aligned with international best practices.
What improvements can travelers expect from these changes?
Tourists can look forward to safer, more reliable, and higher-quality transport services, with better integration across Dubai’s public transport network and smoother connectivity to attractions.
Why was the regulation introduced now?
With public transport usage and tourism numbers at record highs in 2025, the regulation ensures Dubai’s transport infrastructure keeps pace with demand while maintaining safety, efficiency, and global standards.
