How do you think this could change driving in Bahrain?

Dubai drivers may soon receive live traffic updates directly on their car dashboards—eliminating the need to check mobile phones. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is currently developing a next-generation traffic management system that uses artificial intelligence and data analytics to link vehicles with traffic lights in real time.

The new innovation, known as “UX Fusion,” leverages computer vision technology to analyse live footage from roadside cameras. The system identifies vehicle types, counts traffic volumes, and tracks pedestrian movement. This data is then processed through a central algorithm to manage citywide traffic flow, ensuring smoother and more efficient journeys.

“It analyses the traffic through the cameras, detects the type of vehicles and the number of pedestrians, and sends the data to a central system,” explained Eng. Salah Al Marzooqi, Director of the Intelligent Traffic Systems Department at the RTA. “It manages the traffic flow across the entire Dubai network.”

Unlike traditional systems that operate at individual intersections, UX Fusion coordinates multiple traffic lights along entire corridors, allowing convoys of vehicles to move seamlessly through green lights.

Currently in its proof-of-concept phase, the RTA plans to expand the system’s capabilities in collaboration with leading car manufacturers. The goal is to enable direct communication between cars and traffic signals, displaying live countdowns for red and green lights directly on vehicle dashboards.

“We’re working with car manufacturers to transmit traffic signal data directly to vehicles,” Al Marzooqi added. “Drivers will soon be able to see information such as remaining green time or expected delays on red lights displayed right on their dashboards.”

The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader smart city vision, positioning the emirate as a global leader in intelligent transport innovation and data-driven urban management.