UAE Prime Minister Reviews Dubai's Solar-Powered Future Of Urban Mobility

UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently reviewed RAILBUS, a new mass transit system powered by solar energy, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit.

This new eco-friendly transportation system is designed to improve urban mobility with its innovative design, self-driving technology, and sustainable operations, WAM reported.

The prime minister was accompanied by several key officials, including the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, Mattar Al Tayer.

"The project reflects RTA's commitment to fostering public-private partnerships and supporting start-ups in developing next-generation autonomous transport systems. RAILBUS is solar-powered, highly efficient, and cost-effective, integrating with Dubai's public transport network," Al Tayer said during the review.

"It also enhances first and last-mile connectivity, ensuring safe, smooth, and sustainable travel for residents and visitors in urban areas. RAILBUS carriages have been designed and manufactured using cutting-edge, sustainability-focused technologies," he added.

RTA's Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors further said that RAILBUS uses advanced components and systems to improve efficiency, ensuring high safety standards while lowering energy use and maintenance expenses.

The carriages are designed with a flexible structure and built using 3D printing technology. They are made from recyclable materials, which makes them lighter, reducing their weight to seven tons. Each carriage is 11.5 meters long, 2.6 meters wide, and 2.9 meters high.

It can carry up to 40 passengers and reach a top speed of 100 km/h. The modern interior features spacious seating areas, comfortable seats, soft lighting, and onboard Wi-Fi.

The prime minister also examined the Therme Dubai project, a wellness resort and interactive park that will be the first of its kind in the Middle East and the tallest in the world. The resort, to be built in Zabeel Park, has an estimated investment of AED2 billion, backed by both local and international financial partners.

Therme Dubai project is a 500,000-square-foot wellbeing destination with a height of 100 meters and an annual capacity of 1.7 million visitors. The project includes well-being zones, luxury floors, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and three 18-meter-high waterfalls.

It features 4,500 square meters of indoor pools and terraces, a water park with 15 slides, and artistic installations.

The project has three zones: the Play Zone, offering entertainment and health activities for families; the Relax Zone, providing adults with mineral pools, steam rooms, and natural treatments; and the Restore Zone, focused on rejuvenation with thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms.

Developed by Therme Group, the resort emphasizes nature and water, featuring the world's largest indoor botanical garden with over 200 plant species. It includes crystal-clear thermal waters, saunas, and global spa treatments inspired by Roman, Turkish, Japanese, and Nordic traditions.

Advanced sustainability features include wave technology, water slides, and immersive experiences. 90% of thermal pool water will be recycled, and 80% of cooling needs will come from clean energy. Therme Dubai will also serve as a cultural hub, hosting artistic performances and immersive events.