2.5 million riders used Dubai’s public transport on NYE 2025
Dubai Metro was most used
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has reported that 2.5 million passengers in Dubai City used the public transport network and shared mobility services on New Year’s Eve 2025, a 9.3% rise from the previous year.
In total, 2,502,474 public transport passengers relied on various modes of public transport to attend the city’s celebrations, compared to 2,288,631 in 2024.
The Dubai Metro network saw the highest number of riders, with 1,133,251 passengers using its Red and Green lines. The Dubai Tram system also played a significant role, accommodating 55,391 passengers.
Public buses carried 465,779 passengers, while marine transport services ferried 80,066 commuters across Dubai’s waterways. Taxis, a crucial mode of transport, transported 571,098 passengers, with e-hailing vehicles serving 195,651 users and shared mobility vehicles catering to 1,238 riders.
Dubais RTA highlighted that the operation of public transport services during the peak hours of the New Year’s Eve celebrations resulted from extensive planning and collaboration with other authorities in Dubai.
Dubai boasts an advanced and diverse public transport system that caters to the city’s rapidly growing population and the influx of tourists. The Dubai Metro opened in 2009 and is one of the world’s most modern and efficient metro systems, operating fully automated trains. It is complemented by an extensive bus network that serves all city areas, including remote locations.
The Dubai Tram, launched in 2014, also connects key districts like Dubai Marina and Al Sufouh, providing a smooth transit option for commuters. Dubai’s RTA has also invested heavily in water transport, with ferry services linking key waterfront areas, such as Dubai Creek and the Dubai Marina.
Taxis and e-hailing services like Uber and Careem are widely available in Dubai, offering convenient door-to-door service. The city’s public transport is well-integrated, with innovative payment systems such as Nol cards making it easy for passengers to switch between metro, bus, tram, and water transport.
Dubai’s commitment to expanding and modernising its transport infrastructure ensures that the city remains one of the most accessible and efficient in the world. With projects like the expansion of the Dubai Metro network and the introduction of autonomous taxis in the future, the city is poised to continue its leadership in public transport innovation in the Middle East.
Hero image: The Dubai Metro network saw the highest number of riders, with over a million passengers using its Red and Green lines on New Year’s Eve. Credit: Dubai’s RTA
