The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a major expansion of Dubai bus routes starting January 9, 2026, to tackle the growing demand for public transit. This initiative includes the launch of four brand-new routes—88A, 88B, 93A, and 93B—specifically designed to improve connectivity between Al Satwa, Jumeirah, and Al Wasl. In addition to these new lines, the RTA is revamping more than 70 existing services with new stops, extensions, and realigned schedules to ensure a more reliable and efficient commute for the city’s four million residents.
New Peak-Hour Specialized Routes
The four new Dubai bus routes are strategically split to handle morning and evening “rush hour” flows more effectively.
- Routes 88A & 93A: Will operate in one direction from Al Satwa Bus Station toward Jumeirah 3 and Al Wasl during the morning peak hours.
- Routes 88B & 93B: Will serve the opposite direction during the evening peak period, helping residents return from commercial hubs with minimal delays.
Major Upgrades Across 70+ Existing Lines
Beyond the new launches, the RTA has implemented “smart adjustments” to over 70 existing Dubai bus routes. These changes focus on high-density residential and tourist areas:
| Route Number | Key Change / Extension | New Areas Covered |
| Route 29 | New Stop Added | Museum of the Future |
| Route 13A | Service Extension | Al Muhaisnah 2 (7th Street) |
| Route 55 | Extended Coverage | International City (Greece Cluster) |
| Route 18 | New Stops Added | Al Nahda Pond Park & MSB School |
| Route F39 | Extended Route | Oud Al Muteena Area |
| Route E100 | Relocated Stop | Moved to Al Jafiliya Bus Station |
Why the 2026 Expansion is Critical
As Dubai’s population surges, the RTA’s focus is on “seamless mobility.” By adding these Dubai bus routes, the authority aims to reduce the “first and last-mile” gap, making it easier for people to reach Metro stations without using private cars. This shift is a core part of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, which prioritizes sustainable transport and reduced carbon emissions.
For residents in Jebel Ali, the realignment of Route F54 will now better serve the South Residential Area, while Route F55 has expanded its reach into the Dubai World Central (DWC) cargo zone, supporting the city’s logistics workforce.
Smart Mobility: Using the S’hail App
The RTA encourages all passengers to use the S’hail app to stay updated on these changes. The app provides:
- Real-time tracking for all updated Dubai bus routes.
- Live notifications for any timetable adjustments.
- Integrated planning for bus, metro, and tram transfers.
Looking Ahead
This January 2026 update is just the beginning of a year-long strategy to introduce greener fleet technologies, including electric buses on shorter feeder routes. By optimizing stop sequences and reducing redundant loops (like those removed on Route 7 and Route 77), the RTA is making public transport the fastest way to navigate the city.
