Dubai partnering with Singapore to improve public transportation

Dubai is seeking Singapore’s help to improve the Emirati city’s public transportation system. 

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority signed a memorandum of understanding today with Enterprise Singapore, which is part of the Asian city-state’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. Dubai will learn “best trading and investment practices of public transport and mobility” from its Singaporean counterparts, the Roads and Transport Authority said in a press release. 

Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority will also explore opportunities for direct investment by Singaporean companies. 

The authority has had some success seeking investment in the past, securing more than $270 million in 2020, according to the release. 

Why it matters: Singapore’s public transportation system is widely regarded as the best in the world. 

Dubai also has an extensive public transportation system consisting of an underground metro, buses, trams and more. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates’ largest city have recently sought to improve the system, particularly regarding the environment. In March, the Roads and Transport Authority announced it is recycling wastewater at one of its depots.

Similar endeavors are occurring in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. Also last month, Abu Dhabi began a program to put bicycles on buses. 

Though the UAE is exploring green technology, the country is still a major oil producer and is reliant on oil for government revenue.