Dubai RTA introduces smart parking, voice‑assisted travel and sensory rooms for People of Determination

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has unveiled a set of measures designed to improve public‑transport access for People of Determination, as announced at the AccessAbilities Expo on Monday 19 October 2026.

The announcement was made at 3:48 PM on Mon 19 Oct 2026.

Smart Parking and Navigation Aids

The authority has introduced tactile mental maps for blind and visually impaired passengers, showing station layouts and highlighting available services at metro and bus stops to ease navigation.

A smart monitoring system has been deployed on designated parking bays for People of Determination to deter unauthorised use by other drivers.

Ahmed Al Masoud, representing the RTA, told Khaleej Times that the authority was using technology and dedicated facilities to address different accessibility needs across its transport network.

Dubai has more than 1,800 parking spaces for People of Determination, of which 250 have been covered by the smart monitoring initiative, Al Masoud said.

The system aims to protect access to these spaces and ensure they remain available to those who need them, including by preventing unauthorised motorists from occupying them, even briefly.

The initiatives were showcased at the RTA’s stand at AccessAbilities Expo on Monday, October 19, with a focus on helping people navigate public transport facilities, plan journeys independently and access assistance when needed.

Journey Planning Support

Through the RTA’s S’hail application, journey planning has been made more accessible with voice‑based assistance for users who find conventional mobile interfaces difficult to see or navigate.

The app lets passengers plan and book trips while providing information about each stage of the journey.

It offers an overview of routes that combine buses, the Dubai Metro and taxis, displays the relevant fares and indicates whether additional assistance might be required during the trip.

By consolidating these details, the application helps users assess whether they can complete a journey on their own or whether they will need support.

Sensory Facilities and Emergency Assistance

Sensory rooms have been set up to help reduce stress for people with autism, providing a dedicated space for those who may experience sensory overload or anxiety while using public facilities.

This initiative forms part of the authority’s broader efforts to accommodate different needs and improve the experience of People of Determination when accessing transport services.

Emergency wheelchairs are stationed throughout RTA facilities to offer immediate aid to People of Determination who need them, such as when a personal wheelchair fails or fatigue sets in.

Passengers can use these wheelchairs while moving through the authority’s premises, including cases where their own wheelchair becomes damaged or they feel tired during the journey.

Together, the initiatives address several aspects of accessible mobility, from finding one’s way around transport facilities and securing designated parking to planning journeys and accessing support when required.