Report Dubai's Road Issues via WhatsApp

From Now, Report Road Issues in Dubai via WhatsApp

Dubai's transportation infrastructure has long been globally recognized for its modernity, orderliness, and efficiency. The emirate strives to maintain and develop its road network and public transportation systems not only with advanced technology but also through the active involvement of its residents. In this spirit, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is offering a new opportunity for locals and visitors: road issues and damages in the transportation infrastructure can now be reported via WhatsApp.

How does the system work?

The official WhatsApp contact for the RTA in Dubai is +971 58 800 9090. By saving this number, users can connect with Mahboub, its chatbot, through which the issues encountered can be conveniently reported with just a few messages.

The reporting process is simple:

1. Take a photo of the issue - be it a pothole, broken traffic light, worn-off crosswalk, damaged bus stop, or missing traffic sign.

2. Send the photo to Mahboub via WhatsApp.

3. The chatbot forwards the information to the appropriate RTA department.

According to the RTA, the system aims to "simplify the reporting process and encourage residents and visitors to actively participate in the prompt detection of damages."

What can be reported?

The Mahboub WhatsApp service covers a variety of issues, including:

potholes and cracks in the road,

worn-out pedestrian crosswalk markings,

non-functioning or faulty traffic lights,

damaged or missing traffic signs,

damaged bus stops and waiting areas,

damage to sidewalks and pedestrian surfaces,

other problems related to urban infrastructure.

The goal is not just to fix the issues but to preserve Dubai's aesthetic appearance, safety, and orderliness.

Why is this initiative important?

This innovation by the RTA is part of a long-term effort to increase community participation and transform services digitally. The fact that reports can now be made via WhatsApp is beneficial in several ways:

Speed: there's no need to fill out forms or call customer service – a photo and a message are enough.

Accessibility: WhatsApp is available on almost every smartphone, making the service usable from anywhere at any time.

Community Responsibility: locals can be active participants in the city's maintenance, which strengthens community awareness and sense of responsibility.

Quick Response: reports are sent directly to the appropriate department, allowing for quicker action.

Additional functions of the Mahboub chatbot

This isn’t Mahboub’s primary use. The chatbot also has many other useful features, such as:

paying for parking,

inquiring about periodic traffic information,

handling customer service requests,

answering questions related to RTA services.

With these services, Mahboub increasingly becomes a central channel for digital administration and urban communication in Dubai.

The future of community participation in Dubai

Sustainability, technology integration, and citizen activity play a key role in Dubai's long-term urban development plans. Initiatives like the WhatsApp-based issue reporting not only represent convenience but offer new dimensions in the interaction between residents and authorities.

These small actions – such as photographing a pothole and forwarding it – can have a real impact on transportation safety, the environment, and quality of life. Through such a digital channel, every resident or visitor can take part in maintaining the city.

Final word

The Dubai RTA Mahboub chatbot and the option to report via WhatsApp is another step towards a digitally functioning, interactive, and sustainable city. By utilizing technology to solve everyday issues, the RTA directly serves the city's appearance, along with the safety and satisfaction of its residents.

The opportunity is here – it's now up to us to use it. Next time you see a faulty traffic light, cracked sidewalk, or neglected bus stop on the streets of Dubai, don't just walk by: take a photo, send it to Mahboub, and make a difference for your city.

(Source of the article: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announcement.)