Dubai has implemented a new comprehensive regulation, which is meant to consolidate the control of the tourist transport sector in the emirate and require licensing and permits and vehicle registration of operators. It is a step that is being spearheaded by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in consultation with the Department of Economy and Tourism in an effort to improve the levels of safety, service, and compliance as the number of visitors keeps increasing.
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A Regulatory Overhaul for Tourist Mobility
The new framework has been issued according to Administrative Decision No. (97) of 2025 and the Executive Council Resolution No. (107) of 2023 and imposes stringent conditions on the companies and drivers in the field.
The most important roles that can be found in the regulation are
- Giving out and renewing tourist transport company permits.
- Registration and renewal of vehicles that apply to tourist services.
- Proffering professional licences for tourist transport drivers.
All the transactions shall be conducted only via the service channels authorized by RTA, and they will be transparent and efficient. The authority has indicated clearly that full compliance is compulsory, and the framework is aligned with the best international practices.
Strategic Goals: Raising Quality, Safety, and Global Reputation
According to the RTA, the regulation is one of the pillars of Dubai as a great worldwide tourism and mobility center. The major goals of the regulation are
- Improving the general quality of services to tourists.
- Increasing safety and comfort level.
- Between local and global regulations.
- Promoting Dubai innovation and transport excellence.
The regulation, officials think, will have a direct positive impact on the transport companies, as it will establish a well-organized competitive environment where better norms for the customer are rewarded.
Growing Public Transport Network Strengthens Reforms
The control was enacted at a time when there was an explosion in the use of transport in Dubai. The city registered 395.3 million public transit rides in the first half of the year 2025 alone, an increase of 9 percent per year.
Breakdown of ridership in H1 2025:
- Dubai Metro: 36.5%
- Taxis: 26%
- Public Buses: 24%
The motor has also been introduced with the extension of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which will connect more than 1 million residents to 14 new destinations and is underway, enhancing the job connectivity of public and tourist transport.
Tourism Growth Underscores Need for Regulation
In 2025, the city is projected to receive 9.88 million international overnight visitors, already more than the number of international visitors received in 2024.
Key H1 2025 performance indicators:
- Hotel occupancy rate: 80.6%
- Average daily rate: +5%
- Revenue per available room: +7%
- Dubai International Airport traffic: 46 million passengers
The new regulation with these record-breaking figures will be to ensure that transport services remain in demand and at the same time protect the safety, efficiency, and quality.
Looking Ahead
The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai stressed that the new licensing system does not merely concern compliance but also concerns future-proofing of the industry. The emirate will be in a position to manage the high rates of tourism growth by simplifying its operations and ensuring highly rated standards that will help it retain its status as a global travel destination.