RTA reports 40% growth in Dubai’s commercial transport sector in 2025

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), announced that Dubai’s commercial transport sector recorded significant growth in 2025, exceeding 40% in the number of licensed companies compared with 2024.

The total number of vehicles registered in the sector surpassed 500,000, reflecting an increase of approximately 25%. The direct contribution of the commercial transport sector to Dubai’s economy exceeded Dhs8.4 billion annually.

He said: “The number of licensed commercial transport companies rose from 12,100 in 2024 to 16,917 in 2025, underscoring the expansion of the sector’s business base and sustained investor confidence in Dubai’s economic landscape. These results reaffirm the emirate’s established position as a leading global hub for transport and logistics.”

“This robust growth has been driven by several strategic factors, most notably accelerated digital transformation, the wider deployment of smart solutions, rising demand for app-based delivery services, and the continued expansion of logistics operations, vehicle rental services and related commercial transport activities. These trends reflect the rapid evolution of trade patterns and global supply chains”

Al Tayer also stated: “The sector’s performance is fully aligned with the objectives of Dubai Commercial and Logistics Land Transport Strategy 2030, which aims to strengthen the sector’s contribution to sustainable economic development and consolidate its role as a fundamental pillar of Dubai’s integrated economic ecosystem.”

Al Tayer further added: “2025 marked the launch of several strategic initiatives that strengthened the sector’s social and economic indicators. Most notably, RTA introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the operation of autonomous heavy vehicles within the logistics sector, supporting the adoption of advanced technologies and reinforcing Dubai’s competitiveness in advanced transport.”

He further noted that RTA has also launched the digital “Logisty” platform for logistics operations, which has achieved strong market uptake and growing engagement among operators and users. The platform received the ideasUK Idea of the Year 2025 – Innovation Award, reflecting Dubai’s leadership in delivering advanced digital solutions for the management of logistics activities.

“As part of its sustainability agenda, RTA signed a partnership agreement with a specialised company to establish a network of battery-swapping stations for delivery bikes across Dubai, accelerating the shift towards low-emission mobility solutions. In parallel, RTA developed a network of dedicated rest areas for delivery drivers throughout the emirate, enhancing road safety and supporting improved working conditions.”

He stated: “The sustained growth of the commercial transport sector reflects rising confidence in Dubai’s business environment and reinforces the emirate’s position as a leading global hub for transport and logistics. This momentum advances sustainable economic development and further consolidates the sector’s role as a key engine of growth.”

“RTA remains committed to strengthening the governance of commercial transport activities in Dubai, fostering effective strategic partnerships with the private sector, and streamlining commercial licensing procedures, in support of the leadership’s vision to cement Dubai’s standing as a leading global hub for business and trade.”

He mentioned: “The commercial transport sector contributes more than Dhs8.4 billion annually to Dubai’s economy and represents a fundamental pillar of the emirate’s economic system. It plays a pivotal role in advancing the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by facilitating the movement of goods, enhancing the efficiency of global supply chains, strengthening Dubai’s global competitiveness, and generating positive social and environmental impact.”

“Continued innovation, deeper integration between the public and private sectors, and broader adoption of advanced technologies and smart solutions will propel the commercial transport sector to new levels of growth in the coming phase. This will reinforce Dubai’s leadership in commercial transport and land logistics, attract local and international investment, and ensure the sustainability of business activities across diverse economic sectors,” Al Tayer concluded.

Last week, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has achieved a new global milestone, adding to its strong record of pioneering accomplishments after ranking first worldwide in the ‘Best Innovation Hub’ category at the Global Innovation Management Institute (GIMI) Innovation Awards 2025. The award honours entities that deliver tangible impact across innovation ecosystems worldwide.

WAM