Dubai to install AI-powered smart devices in 65,000 delivery motorbikes to monitor conduct of riders

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, during its participation in GITEX Global 2025, announced the launch of the 'Artificial Intelligence for Safe Cities' initiative. This initiative aims to improve traffic safety for delivery bike riders. The initiative uses smart systems and sensors based on artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor and analyse driver behaviour in real time.

Saeed Al Ramsi, Director of Licensing Activities Monitoring at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, said that the delivery sector in the emirate is experiencing rapid growth, with around 65,000 bikes currently in operation. He added that this requires innovative solutions to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users. He added that accidents and violations in this sector are constantly increasing due to risky behaviour.

Pilot project

He explained that, in cooperation with approved rental companies, the RTA has begun installing smart devices on a number of motorbikes as part of the pilot project. These devices include front and rear cameras, speedometers and tracking systems that use artificial intelligence to detect sudden deviations or dangerous stops, as well as evaluating driver performance on a daily basis. He added that the system provides each driver with a digital rating based on their compliance with traffic laws and driving behaviour.

Al Ramsi added that the first pilot phase of the project involves testing the devices on 28 bikes from each participating company, in order to measure the accuracy and reliability of the systems. Following the completion of testing and technical analysis, installation will be made mandatory for all delivery bikes in the first half of 2026.

He stressed that the system would monitor violations, including reckless driving, failure to wear a uniform and driving in the wrong direction, as well as other behaviours that threaten public safety.

He also mentioned that these violations will be recorded in daily, monthly and annual reports. Drivers will be penalised according to the severity of the offence through an internal black-points system. Repeated violations could lead to the temporary suspension of the driver or the permanent revocation of their activity permit. He explained that the goal of the initiative is not to punish, but to raise awareness and encourage commitment in order to achieve a safer road environment for all.

Al Ramsi emphasised that the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) intends to utilise artificial intelligence as a supporting tool in order to realise Dubai's vision of safe and sustainable cities. The RTA also intends to strengthen its partnerships with the private sector to develop innovative traffic solutions that save lives and reduce accident rates. He added that the success of the experiment would set an example for future smart cities.