Dubai’s Game-Changing Tourist Transport Reforms

Dubai is stepping up its game in tourist transport regulation. With the implementation of Administrative Resolution No. (97) of 2025, under Executive Council Resolution No. (107) of 2023, the emirate is rolling out stricter, more structured regulations governing tourist vehicles, drivers, and transport operators.)

These changes matter deeply for travel agents, airlines, corporate travel planners, and tour consolidators: as Dubai raises its standards, your suppliers, ground operations, and partners will be under greater oversight—and so will you. Below is a breakdown of what’s new, what travel industry stakeholders need to prepare for, and how to align.

What’s New: Key Elements of the Regulation

You’ve shared structured notes on Dubai’s new rules for tourist transport operators. I can turn this into an SEO-ready blog post draft (for B2B travel readers like tour operators, DMCs, and travel agents).

Here’s how I’d structure it:

Dubai’s New Regulations for Tourist Transport Operators

Introduction:

Dubai is raising the bar for its tourism transport sector. The Dubai Land Department, in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has introduced a comprehensive framework to professionalize operators, vehicles, and drivers. For travel companies, DMCs, and agents, understanding these new requirements is essential for compliance and client trust.

1. Permits for Tourist Transport Activities

Operators must now secure specific permits for:

• Conducting tourist transport activity

• On-demand transport via apps or media

• Operating heavy or light tourist vehicles

• Using tourist motorcycles

• Employing licensed tourist vehicle drivers
  
  

Why this matters: This ensures accountability across different service types and prevents unlicensed or informal operations.

2. Classification of Establishments

Tourist transport companies are now classified into three categories based on fleet size and service levels:

• Three-Star

• Four-Star

• Five-Star
  
  

Impact: This system incentivizes quality upgrades and allows customers and stakeholders to easily differentiate providers.

3. Vehicle Standards

All tourist vehicles must:

• Pass technical inspections

• Comply with UAE/GCC specifications

• Meet safety and security standards

• Include accessibility features (like lifts) if serving passengers with mobility impairments

4. Driver Requirements

Tourist transport drivers must:

• Hold a valid UAE driving license for the vehicle category

• Be of good character and medically fit

• Pass RTA theory and practical training tests

• Work under an authorized Establishment
  
  

Benefit: Professionalizing the driver pool boosts passenger trust and reduces risks.

5. Operational & Technical Conditions

Tourist transport establishments must:

• Operate via approved RTA channels

• Maintain communication platforms (website, app, email, phone)

• Offer transparent service listings and published prices

• Provide a complaint-handling system

• Maintain a principal place of business with parking

• Support electronic systems linked to RTA

Why it’s important: This fosters transparency, enhances regulation, and improves customer satisfaction.

6. Application, Renewal & Enforcement

• Permits are issued or renewed only when full compliance is met

• RTA uses digital channels and checkpoints for monitoring

• Non-compliance results in penalties and inspections
  
  

Goal: To eliminate sub-standard service providers and strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global tourism hub.

Conclusion & B2B Impact

For tour operators, travel agencies, and DMCs, these regulations mean higher service benchmarks, but also new opportunities. Aligning with the RTA framework will not only ensure compliance but also enhance credibility with international clients.

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