Dubai's Smart Transport System Tackles Violations

Smart Surveillance in Dubai's Transport – Nearly 30,000 Violations in Taxis and Limousines

Dubai's transportation system is not only one of the most modern in the world but also one of the most strictly monitored. Over the past few years, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has invested significant resources to ensure the city's transport services are not just comfortable and fast, but also safe and compliant with regulations. In the first seven months of 2025, the RTA's intelligent surveillance systems recorded 428,349 incidents among taxi and luxury vehicle providers – nearly 30,000 of which were deemed actual violations.

The Role of Technology in Compliance

Advanced technology is behind these statistics. The RTA utilizes systems based on artificial intelligence and real-time data collection. Equipped with cameras, sensors, and analytical solutions, the smart center can instantly detect traffic violations, such as speeding or mobile phone use while driving. This digital vigilance not only helps ensure compliance with regulations but also enhances the overall safety of the city's traffic.

The Most Common Violations

Of the 29,886 recorded violations, the highest proportion was for speeding – in 3,127 cases. This was followed by mobile phone use while driving, which occurred 4,251 times. The failure to use seat belts was noted in 652 cases.

These data indicate that inattention and disregard for rules remain common problems, even in a city where transport providers receive high-level training and knowledge of regulations. For taxi and limousine drivers, compliance is not just a legal obligation but a key element of service quality and passenger safety.

Beyond Violations – Improvement Focus

The RTA does not stop at recording violations. The center analyzes patterns emerging from the data, identifies the roots of the most common problems, and collaborates with various organizational units to develop solutions. This could involve training programs, stricter enforcement, or even new regulations. The aim is always to reduce future violations and increase drivers' awareness in traffic.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence

A crucial element of the RTA's strategy is forward-focused technology. The current system can already detect certain violations without human intervention, but plans for the future involve even more significant roles for automation. Artificial intelligence not only records events but can also make predictions that help prevent violations.

For example, if speeding is consistently observed with a particular vehicle, the system can proactively signal the threat, allowing for targeted inspections. Additionally, AI analyses will show which times or routes see more frequent violations, enabling more efficient resource allocation.

Impact on Providers and Passengers

The continuous monitoring and recording of violations have a direct impact on the operations of taxi and limousine providers. Those who routinely break the rules can face fines or even license revocation. This sends a clear message to providers: only those who comply with the regulations can remain in the market.

For passengers, this represents a positive change. Trust in the transport system increases because they know rulebreakers are filtered out, and their safety is prioritized. The RTA also shares information with external organizations, such as other authorities and service providers, to make actions more effective.

The Future of the System

Dubai aims to have one of the safest and most innovative transportation systems in the world. Achieving this requires not just the development of the vehicle fleet and infrastructure but a comprehensive monitoring and regulatory system as well. The RTA's efforts are moving in this direction: data-driven decision-making, the use of artificial intelligence, and the implementation of automated systems already significantly impact the transport sector.

Introducing new technologies aims not only to reduce the number of violations but also to create a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable operational model. In this model, every participant – the authority, the provider, and the passenger – benefits equally.

Summary

The nearly 30,000 recorded violations clearly indicate that even the most modern systems require continuous monitoring and intervention. However, Dubai does not just react – it thinks ahead. Intelligent surveillance systems supported by artificial intelligence not only detect but also learn, aiding in the further enhancement of traffic safety and service quality. The RTA's example demonstrates that digitization and regulation can go hand in hand when the goal is for everyone to travel safely and satisfactorily on Dubai's roads.

(Source: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) statement.)