Dubai Bus-On-Demand Expands to 20 Areas with Satwa and Mirdif Launch on August 10, Ridership Up 25 Percent in First Half 2026

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority launched Bus-On-Demand service in Satwa and Mirdif on August 10, 2026, bringing the total number of covered areas to 20 across the emirate. Al Quoz also joined the network during the same expansion rollout announced August 5. To mark the launch, residents in Mirdif receive free unlimited rides from August 10 through August 23, after which standard fares of AED 5 per intra-zone trip and AED 7 for interzone journeys will apply. The expansion comes as the app-based service carried 527,000 passengers in the first half of 2026, a 25.1 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. June 2026 recorded the highest monthly ridership since the start of the year, with 105,990 passengers. The RTA said the growth followed a 54 percent expansion in operating areas and an increase in the fleet to 55 buses. Why it matters: the service now covers 20 neighborhoods including Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Dubai Silicon Oasis, JVC, and the three newly added zones. Operating hours run from 5 AM to midnight Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 5 AM to 1 AM on Friday, and 8 AM to midnight on Sunday. The expansion supports Dubai's smart transport network and reflects steady demand for flexible last-mile connectivity between residential communities and public transport hubs. Sources: Emirates 24/7, Gulf News, What's On, Time Out Dubai, RTA official statement via Dubai Media Office. Ridership and service area data verified across multiple outlets.