Dubai’s new driving system: Real-time traffic signals to connect directly with vehicles

Dubai has announced the launch of a new traffic system, UX Fusion, which will enable traffic  signals to be relayed directly to vehicles. The new smart facility is part of the emirate’s Smart Connected Vehicles Project and will enable the display of live traffic data on the vehicle’s screen, thereby helping drivers stay informed without using a mobile phone.

The scheme will be rolled out by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai between  2027 and 2028, according to Gulf News. As part of the system, the real-time information from traffic infrastructure will be transmitted to the dashboards of connected vehicles.  

Authorities believe the system will transform traffic management in Dubai, reduce congestion,  and enhance road safety. To avail the facility, the vehicles will have to come with built-in smart connectivity features. The RTA authorities said they are already in coordination with car manufacturers in this regard. As for old cars, they can benefit from the system through add-on devices or CarPlay and Android Auto applications, the report added.

How the system works

The system uses computer vision to analyse footage from roadside cameras. These include vehicle types, pedestrian counts, which is then fed into a central algorithm that manages  movement across the road network, according to reports.

The dashboard will deliver real-time information, including green-light duration, red-light countdowns, signal status at upcoming intersections, optimal crossing speeds, congestion alerts, detours, closures, and accident notifications. There is also a plan to introduce vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication to warn drivers of slowdowns or obstacles ahead.

This way, the driver need not depend on his mobile phone. “The V2X network will serve as a core component of Dubai’s next-generation traffic signal operations. Integrated into the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre (DITSC), the system will use AI to improve signal performance and optimise traffic flow across the city,” Engineer Salahuddin Al Marzooqi, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Department, told Gulf News.