Free Wi-Fi on Dubai’s 259 Intercity Buses Enhances Commuting

In a groundbreaking move to enhance the public transport experience, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with telecommunications giant e&, has successfully equipped all 259 intercity buses with free Wi-Fi. This initiative, rolled out as of July 2025, connects passengers traveling between Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah, offering seamless internet access to make journeys more productive and enjoyable. This development is a significant step in RTA’s digital transformation strategy, aligning with the UAE Digital Government Strategy and Dubai’s ambitious vision to become the world’s smartest and happiest city.

The Free Wi-Fi Initiative: A Game-Changer for Commuters

The Dubai RTA has completed the installation of free Wi-Fi across its entire fleet of 259 intercity buses, ensuring that passengers can stay connected on routes linking Dubai with neighboring emirates such as Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. This initiative, powered by e&, allows commuters to use their smartphones, tablets, or laptops to access the internet, enabling them to work remotely, manage personal tasks, or enjoy entertainment during their journeys.

Whether it’s catching up on emails, browsing social media, or streaming content, the free Wi-Fi service transforms long-distance bus travel into a productive and engaging experience. The RTA has emphasized that this move is designed to cater to diverse segments of society, from daily commuters to tourists exploring the UAE, ensuring that everyone can benefit from enhanced connectivity on the go.

Key Features of the Wi-Fi Service

• Universal Access: Available on all 259 intercity buses, covering major routes like Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Dubai to Sharjah, and more.
• Device Compatibility: Supports smartphones, tablets, and laptops, making it versatile for all passengers.
• Continuous Evaluation: The RTA and Dubai’s RTA teams up with e& to offer free Wi‑Fi across 259 intercity buses, boosting commuter connectivity across emirates
• No Registration Required: Passengers can connect without needing to provide personal details, ensuring ease of access.

This initiative builds on previous efforts by the RTA to provide free Wi-Fi at public bus stations and marine transport stations in Dubai, further solidifying its commitment to a connected transport network.

Aligning with UAE’s Digital Transformation Goals

The rollout of free Wi-Fi on intercity buses is a cornerstone of the RTA’s digital transformation strategy, which aims to integrate smart technologies into all aspects of public transport. This initiative aligns with the UAE Digital Government Strategy, which emphasizes improving service accessibility and user satisfaction through technology. By equipping buses with free Wi-Fi, the RTA is not only enhancing the commuting experience but also contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s smartest and happiest city.

The partnership with e&, a leading telecommunications provider in the UAE, ensures that the Wi-Fi service is reliable and scalable. The RTA has stated that the service will undergo continuous evaluation to maintain performance standards and explore opportunities for further enhancements, such as expanding similar services to marine transport modes like ferries and water buses.

Supporting Dubai’s Smart City Vision

Dubai’s ambition to be the world’s smartest city is driven by initiatives like this, which prioritize digital innovation and user satisfaction. By offering free Wi-Fi on intercity buses, the RTA is making public transport more appealing, encouraging residents and visitors to opt for sustainable travel options while staying connected. This move also supports the UAE’s broader goal of fostering a digital economy, where connectivity is a cornerstone of daily life.

Benefits for Passengers

The introduction of free Wi-Fi on Dubai’s intercity buses offers numerous benefits for passengers, making travel more convenient and enjoyable:

1. Productivity on the Go: Commuters can use travel time to work remotely, respond to emails, or complete tasks, turning bus journeys into productive work hours.
2. Entertainment Options: Passengers can stream music, videos, or browse social media, making long trips more enjoyable.
3. Seamless Communication: Stay in touch with family, friends, or colleagues via messaging apps or video calls, enhancing the travel experience.
4. Tourist-Friendly: Visitors exploring the UAE can access maps, travel guides, or book activities online while traveling between emirates.
5. Cost-Free Access: The service is completely free, requiring no payment or registration, making it accessible to all passengers.

These benefits cater to a wide range of users, from daily commuters to tourists, ensuring that Dubai’s public transport remains inclusive and user-friendly.

Regional Connectivity: Routes Covered

The free Wi-Fi service is available on all 259 intercity buses operating on key routes, including:

• Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Popular routes like E100 (Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station) and E101 (Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station).
• Dubai to Sharjah: Routes such as E303, E306, and E307, connecting Union Bus Station, Al Ghubaiba, and Deira City Centre to Sharjah’s Al Jubail Bus Station.
• Dubai to Ajman: Routes like E400 and E411, linking Union Bus Station and Etisalat Metro Bus Station to Ajman’s Al Musalla Bus Station.
• Dubai to Fujairah: Intercity services connecting Dubai to Fujairah, ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers.

These routes cover 82% of Dubai’s urban areas and facilitate approximately 369,248 passengers daily, making the free Wi-Fi initiative a significant enhancement for a large number of commuters.

Future Expansion and Enhancements

The RTA and e& are committed to ensuring the free Wi-Fi service remains reliable and efficient. The service will be regularly monitored to maintain high-speed connectivity and reduce buffering times, ensuring a seamless experience for passengers.

Looking ahead, the RTA is exploring opportunities to expand digital services to other modes of transport, such as marine transport (ferries and water buses). This aligns with previous efforts to provide free Wi-Fi at public bus stations and marine transport stations, indicating a holistic approach to enhancing connectivity across Dubai’s transport network.

Tips for Passengers

To make the most of the free Wi-Fi service, passengers can:

1. Connect Easily: Look for the Wi-Fi network on the bus and connect without needing a password or registration.
2. Plan Your Route: Use the RTA Dubai app or S’hail app to check bus schedules and routes in real-time.
3. Optimize Device Settings: Ensure your device is set to connect to public Wi-Fi networks for seamless access.
4. Stay Updated: Follow RTA’s official channels for updates on service enhancements or additional digital offerings.