Planes, trains, and… flying taxis

There’s a lot happening in the world of Dubai transport with billions of dollars being pumped into new infrastructure – here’s where we’re currently at.

At the end of last year Dubai announced a mammoth US $8.7 trillion economic plan for the coming decade aimed at turbocharging trade, foreign investment, and the emirate’s status as a global hub. 

This plan includes massive spending on infrastructure development and things are already starting to take shape. 

Ways of getting around in the coming years will be way more convenient and feel rather futuristic – and we’re totally here for it. 

Here’s the lowdown as we stand in early 2024.  

Dubai’s airport expansions set to take off 

There have been media reports swirling around for a while about a massive expansion of Dubai World Central (DWC) airport to turn it into a major hub – mainly to ease the pressure on the already jam-packed Dubai International Airport (DXB). 

DWC – with its one main runway – operated its first passenger flights in 2013 and the current terminal has space for around 26 million passengers annually. A new main airport at DWC would need to have an initial capacity of up to 150 million passengers annually, making it one of the largest such facilities in the world. 

More details on this humungous project expected soon. 

At the same time, DXB – the world’s busiest airport for international travelers continuously for nine years – is also getting a serious revamp. Now serving 250 destinations in 104 countries through 95 airlines, plans for the expansion and redesign will entail investment of up to US $2. 7 billion. 

More details on this are also expected soon. 

Etihad rail construction on track 

For those wanting to get out and explore the UAE, there was excitement last month around the first test passenger journey on Etihad Rail – which will connect the seven Emirates and later link the UAE with Oman. 

Work on Etihad Rail began in 2009 and this UAE megaproject is expected to radically transform transport in the country for passengers, as well as trade and logistics. 

Trains will run between 11 cities and regions, stretching from Al Sila to Fujairah and taking in Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid and Abu Dhabi. 

Carriages will offer Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points and food and drink options to cater for everyone from families to workers to tourists. 

Flying taxis are almost here 

And when you thought Dubai couldn’t get any cooler – news just out that the futuristic Air Taxis are preparing to take flight across the city. 

With a top speed of 320km/hr, these helicopter-cum-cars will cut travel time between Dubai Airport and Palm Jumeirah, for example, from 30-45 minutes to just ten minutes. 

Running on electric energy, the aircraft will also take just ten minutes to recharge between flights and will have minimal emissions. 

Trial flights are being tested now and the fleet is expected to officially hit the skies in 2026. 

Oh, and roads are getting a revamp too 

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has also announced three key upcoming Dubai road projects that will ease traffic. 

Hessa Street: The stretch from its intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to that with Al Khail Road stretching 4.5km will be developed to boost its capacity to 16,000 vehicles per hour. 

Umm Suqeim Street: The stretch from its intersection with Al Khail Road to that with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road extending 4.6km will be developed to increase its capacity to 16,000 vehicles per hour. 

Al Khaleej Street: Stretching 3km from the Infinity Bridge ramp to Cairo Street, this project encompasses the construction of three underpasses stretching 1.65km, with an estimated capacity of about 12,000 vehicles per hour. 

Watch this space for further updates...