Dubai’s regulators don’t sit still for long. The RTA, teaming up with the Department of Economy and Tourism, has pushed out a fresh Executive Regulation, Administrative Decision No. (97) of 2025, if you like the fine print. It follows up on an earlier resolution from 2023.  Sounds confusing, sure, but here’s the gist: Dubai wants tourist transport to be slicker, safer, and frankly, more in line with the city’s polished image.

Dubai Tightens The Rules On Tourist Transport

#RTA, in collaboration with the Department of Economy and Tourism, has issued a new Executive Regulation governing tourist transport activity in the emirate. The regulation was enacted under Administrative Decision No. (97) of 2025, pursuant to Executive Council Resolution No.… pic.twitter.com/waoGyfmghZ

— RTA (@rta_dubai) September 8, 2025

Because transport is the first thing visitors check when they land. A dodgy coach or sloppy operator doesn’t exactly call for “world tourism capital.” The new rules target three basics: quality, comfort, and safety. Put simply, tourists should step into a bus that feels more like a service than an afterthought. To be fair, Dubai already does this better than most cities, but tightening the screws never hurts.

New Regulation Rolls Out

So, what’s actually changing? Operators now need permits (issued and renewed via RTA), tourist vehicles must be properly registered, and drivers won’t hit the road without professional licences. All this paperwork funnels through official channels, no shortcuts, no favours. Think of it as cleaning up the backstage so the performance front of house stays flawless.

The RTA’s role isn’t shrinking; it’s expanding. They’re not just dishing out licences, they’re becoming gatekeepers for the entire tourist transport network. And honestly, that’s smart. Tourists won’t thank the RTA directly, but they’ll feel it when their shuttle shows up on time, clean, and run by someone who knows the rules. Truth be told, it’s the kind of invisible efficiency people remember without realising it.

The Bigger Picture

Dubai’s tourism has its cash flow, jobs, and international clout. By tidying up transport, the city is protecting one of its golden tickets. This regulation isn’t glamorous, no fireworks here, but it does feed into the bigger strategy: keeping Dubai at the top of global travel charts. After all, the emirate doesn’t exactly settle for second place.

Also Read: You Can Now Extend Your Dubai Tourist Visa By 60 Days For Just AED200

Bottom Line

Visitors get smoother rides. Companies get clearer rules (and higher stakes). Dubai gets one more piece stitched neatly into its tourism puzzle. It’s not the stuff of headlines like Burj Khalifa or the Palm, but it’s the nuts and bolts that keep the city ticking. 

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/dblight from Getty Images Signature