Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is piloting an artificial intelligence-driven project aimed at reducing motorcycle accidents by at least 50 percent. The AI for Safe Cities campaign will install cameras, face recognition, and telematics systems to ensure that riders are qualified, driving safely, and staying within their prescribed location limits.
“The cameras will collect data about driver behavior,” said Saeed AlRamsi, Director at the RTA. “They will detect speeding, harsh braking, reckless turning, driving against traffic, and various violations to map out areas where drivers need improvement. It will also ensure that riders are wearing the correct uniforms.”
Facial recognition systems on the bikes will detect when riders are using their phones or not paying attention to the road. According to Saeed, there will also be a geofencing tag on the motorcycle to ensure riders do not go beyond their delivery radius. “Each delivery rider is only allowed to travel within a certain radius to ensure safety,” he stated. “However, sometimes riders illegally drive long distances. This system would prevent that. Reports will be sent to the fleet manager for review and training.”
The system is currently being tested on 12,000 bikes from various delivery platforms in its pilot stage. “By the second quarter of 2026, we hope to roll out the system for all bikes in the country,” said Saeed. “The number of delivery bikes in the country stands at 65,000 and is increasing rapidly. Recently, another delivery company has begun operations in the country. This project is crucial to ensure delivery riders drive more carefully, making the roads safer for everyone.”
Saeed added that at a later stage, the system would also be linked to the UAE Pass and the rider’s Emirates ID. “This ensures that each rider is driving the bike they are assigned to,” he explained. “Sometimes, incidents occur where riders — some even without a license — drive motorcycles illegally for delivery. This system would prevent such instances in the future.”
