Dubai Unveils 3D-Printed, Solar-Powered Rail Bus Dubai Unveils 3D-Printed, Solar-Powered Rail Bus

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has revealed plans for a new, innovative public transport system: the Rail Bus. This 3D-printed, autonomous, and solar-powered vehicle is designed to revolutionize urban mobility in the emirate. A model of the Rail Bus is currently on display at the World Government Summit 2025.  

The Rail Bus, with its distinctive gold and black exterior, features two rows of orange seating and dedicated space for disabled passengers, ensuring accessibility for all. Each carriage offers 22 seats and can accommodate a total of 40 passengers. Real-time journey updates, including next stops, weather, and time, will be displayed on screens above the seats. Passenger safety instructions and control panels are located at both ends of the carriage.  

This cost-effective and eco-friendly system will feature frequent and flexible routing, integrating seamlessly with other public transport options. It is particularly designed to improve first- and last-mile connectivity. The Rail Bus will operate on elevated tracks planned for construction throughout Dubai. The vehicle is designed to travel at speeds up to 100 km/h and measures 2.9 meters in height and 11.5 meters in length. It will be fully powered by solar energy and operate autonomously.  

The Rail Bus project aligns with Dubai's vision of becoming the world's smartest city and supports several key national strategies. These include the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, Dubai's Zero-Emissions Public Transport Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2030, which aims for 25% of daily trips to be autonomous by 2030.  

The Rail Bus's lightweight, scalable 3D-printed structure, made from recyclable materials, minimizes its environmental footprint while maximizing efficiency. While a specific launch date has not yet been announced, the Rail Bus is expected to transform public transportation in Dubai and further solidify the emirate's position as a leader in smart and sustainable mobility.