A new traffic system in Dubai provides drivers with real-time information to reduce congestion

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a new smart traffic system (V2X) that connects traffic lights to vehicles, as part of the “Smart Connected Vehicles” project. It will be implemented at about 620 intersections and traffic lights in the emirate during the years 2027 and 2028. The system will allow for the first time to send vital information directly from the intersection infrastructure to the dashboards of “connected vehicles,” with the aim of creating a qualitative shift in traffic management. Traffic and reducing congestion, relying on artificial intelligence technologies and “digital twin” principles to communicate with drivers inside their vehicles.

The authority told Emirates Today that it has begun coordinating with car agencies to equip new vehicles that will be put on the market with the smart connectivity feature, while owners of old cars will be able to benefit from the system via additional devices or via the “CarPlay” and “Android Auto” applications, so that traffic data appears directly on the vehicle’s screen, to enhance traffic safety by reducing the driver’s need to use a mobile phone to obtain information.

In detail, the Director of the Intelligent Traffic Systems Department at the Traffic and Roads Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority, Engineer Salah Al-Din Al Marzouqi, said that the new system represents one of the basic elements in the operation of traffic lights in Dubai, as it is an integrated system for controlling traffic movement at intersections with a smart and advanced mechanism, and this system was effectively implemented in the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Center (DITSC), which relies on artificial intelligence technologies. To enhance the efficiency of operating traffic signals and improve the management of traffic flows in the emirate.

He added that the system is distinguished by its ability to support multi-modal mobility and give priority to all road users. It also supports shared interaction technology (ITS-C) to exchange data between vehicles and connected infrastructure. The system also relies on the principles of the Digital Twin to support making accurate operational decisions, analyzing data at intersections and pedestrian crossings, in addition to simulating various traffic scenarios before actually applying them to traffic. On the ground, which allows the Authority to evaluate the optimal solutions in record time.

Al Marzouqi stressed the authority’s keenness to adopt the latest technologies to serve the public, and to deliver information in the correct manner through multiple channels, thus enhancing the flow of traffic in the emirate, saying: “The new system will provide drivers inside their vehicles with accurate real-time data that was not available before.”

He explained that the information that the system will provide includes “the remaining green signal time, the waiting time at the intersection (red signal time), the status of the next traffic light a specific distance before reaching it, the appropriate or optimal speed for crossing the intersection during the green signal, real-time information about traffic congestion in the next lane or road, data on traffic diversions and temporary closures, and notifications of accidents.” located in the vicinity of the vehicle or on the upcoming road, and alerts to identify alternative routes to avoid congestion or accidents.” In the future, the system will allow the exchange of data between the vehicles themselves (vehicle-to-vehicle) to provide proactive alerts about slowdowns or obstacles on the road.

Al Marzouqi stressed that the main goal is to reduce drivers’ preoccupation with smart phones while driving, as all information will be available on the dashboard screen, which will contribute to enhancing traffic safety and reducing accidents resulting from distraction, noting that Dubai currently has 620 traffic intersections that will be linked to the new central system, which will rely on smart analytical cameras equipped with computer vision technologies. (Computer Vision) and artificial intelligence models to analyze the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles in real time, so that the system issues immediate decisions to improve traffic flow, including sending data to connected vehicles on the road.

Regarding the mechanism for providing the technology in vehicles, he explained that coordination has begun with car agencies to ensure that new vehicles coming to the market are provided with V2X technology in an integrated manner within the vehicle’s systems. As for old vehicles, the authority is studying multiple alternatives, including installing smart devices inside the vehicle or making the service available via applications when connecting the smart driving system such as CarPlay or Android Auto, which allows Easily integrate the system into various types of vehicles in the country.

He stated that the infrastructure of the system will be completed within two years, with the actual implementation of the project in vehicles starting in cooperation with manufacturers between 2027 and 2028. After completing the testing and experimentation phase, that phase will be followed by an integrated implementation plan that includes distributing smart devices to vital intersections and linking them to the new central system.