Prime Highlight
- Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) expanded its Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) network, cutting travel time by up to 20% on key roads.
- The smart boards, linked to the iTraffic system, provide real-time alerts on accidents, congestion, and weather, enhancing road safety and guiding drivers to clearer routes.
Key Facts
- RTA operates 112 electronic message signs, including 22 showing travel times to popular destinations like Dubai International Airport and Dubai Marina.
- In the first six months of 2025, the DMS system displayed 17,819 messages, including 12,283 accident alerts and 2,519 updates on weather and road conditions.
Background
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reported major improvements in traffic flow after expanding its network of Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) across the emirate. The smart boards, which give live traffic updates, have reduced travel time by up to 20 per cent on key road corridors, the authority said.
RTA currently runs 112 electronic message signs on major roads. These signs are connected to the Traffic system at the Intelligent Traffic Systems Center, which tracks road conditions around the clock. The system alerts drivers about accidents, traffic jams, breakdowns, and bad weather, so they can avoid risky or crowded routes.
Salah Al Marzouqi, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said the technology boosts safety by warning drivers well before they reach an incident. The system creates three alert zones – two kilometres before the crash site, then a congestion zone, and finally a guidance zone that directs vehicles to clearer roads. This step-by-step alert process reduces the risk of secondary accidents.
RTA has also set aside 22 signs to show travel time to popular destinations such as Dubai International Airport and Dubai Marina. The boards update automatically, so drivers can choose the fastest route.
In the first six months of 2025, the DMS system displayed 17,819 messages. Accident alerts topped the list with 12,283 messages. Authorities also issued 1,038 warning notices, 984 congestion alerts, and 905 breakdown messages. Another 90 alerts covered full road closures, while 2,519 messages reported weather changes, roadworks and other issues.
The DMS network links with sensors that track vehicle speed, traffic volume, travel time and weather. Using artificial intelligence, the iTraffic system studies this data and sends response plans, either after operator approval or automatically during emergencies such as heavy rain or fog.
RTA said the project supports Dubai’s smart city goal and aims to make daily travel safer and faster for all road users.
