Ahead of the new academic year, Dubai students will have access to a wider range of transportation solutions, as well as enhanced safety checks and increased public transport capacity near educational institutions in the UAE.
These steps are being taken by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in preparation for the 2026-27 academic year. The main goal is to make trips to school more reliable, safe, and convenient for parents.
The RTA has issued circulars to school bus operators in the UAE, requiring them to ensure full operational status of buses, conduct comprehensive safety inspections, and confirm the validity of driver and chaperone permits before commencing operations.
Furthermore, the authority will conduct an intensive inspection campaign of school buses over 30 days, covering schools and buses across Dubai. Inspectors will monitor compliance with safety standards and operating procedures, while specialized field checks and information campaigns will focus on driver and chaperone permits.
Parents will also have more alternatives to traditional school buses, as the RTA supports specialized mobility services for schools through e-hail limousine operators. These include Careem School Rides, Uber Teens, and BOLT School, which provide school transport using modern fleets and drivers who meet safety standards.
A ride-sharing initiative in the Al Barsha area, available through the Yango app, will allow students to share rides via special packages, offering families another option for daily commutes to school.
Students using a nol card can benefit from a 50 percent discount on RTA public transport services, including metro, tram, and public buses.
The RTA will also increase the number of taxis in several school zones during peak hours to meet increased demand at the start and end of classes. The authority plans to increase the frequency of more than 30 bus routes serving key areas such as Al Nahda, Muhaisnah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Al Garhoud.
These additional services are expected to improve accessibility, reduce waiting times, and facilitate school travel for students and their families. Safety remains a priority: wearing seatbelts is mandatory on school buses, ride-sharing services, and when traveling via ride-hailing services. These measures combine school bus inspections, permit verification, on-site monitoring, and increased transport capacity as Dubai prepares for students' return to the 2026-27 academic year.