Dubai is poised to host the Global Public Transport Summit again after over a decade since its last stint back in 2011; scheduled next year between April twenty-one through twenty-three shedding light futuristic endeavor enhance public transit becoming platform fostering global dialogue collaboration planning reformations urban movements progression.

Matar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), announced that Dubai is set to host the Global Public Transport Union Summit in 2026 from April 21 to April 23. This event marks a significant recognition of Dubai's efforts in shaping the future of mobility with a sustainable and intelligent transport system focused on people. The public transport network in the emirate has been pivotal for residents and visitors alike, increasing the share of trips using public and shared transportation from 6% in 2006 to an anticipated 21.6% by 2024. The summit also builds upon Dubai’s successful hosting of this global event back in 2011.


Al Tayer made these remarks during his inauguration of activities launching the upcoming summit, alongside representatives from various government bodies, private sector entities, and Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary-General of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).

Strategic Partnership

Al Tayer praised the long-standing strategic partnership with UITP which began with RTA's establishment in 2005. It culminated with Dubai hosting UITP's Conference and Exhibition for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region in 2011. The partnership was further strengthened by establishing the Center for Excellence in Transportation MENA Region and organizing five editions of UITP MENA Transport Congress & Exhibition. He affirmed that the upcoming summit would serve as a vital platform for global dialogue, collaboration on policies, innovations, and partnerships shaping next-generation urban mobility systems.

Renée Amilcar, President of UITP, remarked: "When the summit takes place next April in Dubai, it will be the first occurrence in UAE after fifteen years. It coincides with UITP’s 140th-anniversary milestone across various phases. Moreover, Dubai will be noted as the first non-European city to host its annual format," signifying both a celebration moment and a launchpad towards a prosperous future."

She added: "The transition to an annual gathering reflects our commitment to prioritize 'people-first' approaches starting from Dubai-an emblematic city epitomizing visionary urban living."


Amilcar continued: "In these fifteen years since our last summit here, Dubai has undergone remarkable transformations making global ripples through infrastructural advancements, sustainable travel innovations leading profound lifestyle shifts among citizens daily commute patterns-showing immense dedication towards pioneering world-class solutions inspiring globally."


The region experiences profound change adopting more sustainable transportation paradigms-from advanced metro systems to electric buses unified taxi platforms signifying substantial infrastructure investments indicating dawn new era aligned national visions climate commitments catering growing mobility accessibility needs populace.

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion featured participation from Mohamed Mezghani (UITP Secretary-General), Mona Al Aseemi (Executive Director Strategy Corporate Governance Sector at RTA), Lindsey Barr (Senior Manager Events Academic Services at UITP).

During press conference sidelines Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan Executive Director Public Transport Agency Chair Organizing Committee highlighted: "Hosting signifies continuation strategic journey reflecting unyielding pursuit advancing regional mass transit embracing cutting-edge innovations technology worldwide delivering exceptional services entire community positioning itself globally recognized hub excellence innovation conferences exhibitions drawing international businesses myriad economic commercial financial service sectors."

Bahrozyan asserted: "Dubai exemplifies world-class innovation transformation driven milestones since initiating original summit till eagerly awaited edition epitomizes ambitious ventures developments transitioning blueprint tangible reality enhancing liveability fulfilling leadership ambitions creating happiest optimal life destination universally."

Mohamed Mezghani commented “Upon convening,” stated Mezghani keenly anticipating remarkable urban transport showcase participants exploring innovative solutions envisaged redefined strategies placing meeting spotlight celebrated initiatives enriched capabilities.”