Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said as much as AED16.1 billion ($4.38 billion) was contributed to Dubai’s economy by the emirate’s commercial transport sector in 2022.
The sector, which employs around 242,000 jobs by more than 7,000 companies, is regulated by RTA.
Remarkable sector growth fuels Dubai
“The sector is critical in achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) which aims to position Dubai among the top 3 economic cities globally. It also contributes to accelerate the emirate’s growth by assuring uninterrupted flow of goods and global supply chains, and enhancing Dubai’s reputation and competitiveness,” Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executives Directors of RTA, said.
Al Tayer said the commercial transport activities sector has experienced consistent economic growth over the last two years fuelled by e-commerce, catapulting Dubai as a significant logistical hub for shipping and distribution in the region.
“Over 7,000 companies operate in the sector, which is a remarkable 26 percent growth in 2022 compared to the previous year. The number of registered commercial vehicles operated by these companies exceeds 300,000, reflecting a 16 percent growth rate compared to 2021,” he said.
Of the sector’s AED16.1 billion to Dubai’s economy, AED 8.5 billion constitutes its direct contributions and AED 7.6 billion accounts for indirect contributions, Al Tayer said.
Al Tayer said RTA is currently focused on enabling the commercial transport activities sector to develop new solutions and implement flexible regulatory structures to govern and streamline the operations of the transport and leasing sectors.
“These efforts are aimed at achieving RTA’s objectives of enhancing traffic safety, reducing incidents associated with the movement of trucks, streamlining the traffic flow during the truck ban periods, and providing infrastructure and services that contribute to the enhancement of commercial transport activities,” Al Tayer said.
RTA, in collaboration with the private sector, is currently developing seven projects and initiatives, which include implementing the digital adoption project to enhance the efficiency of transport and leasing activities, updating the requirements for conducting business to align them with government directives, and implementing best practices in regulating and governing transportation and leasing sectors.
“The measures also include implementing regulations governing the activities of 83 transportation and leasing activities, with special emphasis on crucial areas such as transport, leasing services, and the management of transport services activities,” Al Tayer said.
RTA is presently constructing three all-inclusive rest areas for trucks in partnership with the private sector.
These lay-by areas span over 226,000 square metres and can accommodate about 500 trucks and heavy vehicles. There are 16 additional rest stops for trucks on several main roads across Dubai.
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