DUBAI: In a move highlighting the UAE’s commitment to cultural inclusivity and community harmony, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced complimentary bus services during the Easter weekend.
The initiative will run from 18 to 20 April, offering shuttle buses free of charge to visitors travelling between Energy Metro Station and the Church Complexes in Jebel Ali.
Buses will operate from 8AM to 8PM across the three-day period.
The RTA confirmed the service via its official social media channels, stating that the initiative aligns with the directives of the UAE’s leadership to promote coexistence and shared values among Dubai’s multicultural residents. The gesture is aimed at enhancing accessibility for those attending Easter celebrations and strengthening community engagement across faiths and nationalities.
Jebel Ali shuttle
For visitors heading to the churches in Jebel Ali, the designated shuttle route ensures seamless connectivity from the Red Line’s Energy Metro Station directly to the Church Complexes. Those attending services in Oud Metha can access churches with ease, as the area remains within a short walking distance from Oud Metha Metro Station. These arrangements are expected to significantly ease the commute for attendees and reduce congestion in key celebration areas.
Smart mobility push
Coinciding with the Easter initiative, the RTA also rolled out the pilot phase of its next-generation electric bus. The cutting-edge vehicle, part of Dubai’s strategic push towards zero-emission public transport by 2050, has begun operating on Route F13. This metro feeder line connects Al Quoz Bus Depot to popular destinations including Burj Khalifa, The Palace Downtown Hotel, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop (South). The bus trial is a step forward in integrating smart mobility with sustainability goals across the city’s transport infrastructure.
The electric bus project forms a vital component of the RTA’s long-term sustainable transport blueprint. By introducing advanced electric vehicles across its fleet, the authority aims to reduce carbon emissions, modernise commuting standards, and align with global environmental benchmarks. The pilot operation on F13 is expected to gather valuable data on performance, energy efficiency, and passenger experience, helping to inform future deployments across additional routes.