In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi has launched a continuous electric bus
service connecting the city to Dubai, specifically catering to the participants
of COP28. This round-the-clock service, a first of its kind, operates between
Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal A and Expo City Dubai, the
designated venue for COP28.
Under the Green Bus program initiated by the Department of Municipalities and
Transport at Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), a fleet of nine
all-electric buses ensures seamless transportation, facilitating 44 daily
trips. Ateeq Al Mazrouei, the director of the planning department at ITC,
emphasized the uniqueness of this service, highlighting its status as the first
intercity bus transportation between emirates, running 24 hours a day.
Reducing Carbon Emissions Through Sustainable Transport
The electric bus operations implemented for COP28 play a crucial role in
environmental conservation, contributing to a daily reduction of 3.7 tons of
carbon emissions while covering a distance of 520 kilometers.
This
initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi's commitment to sustainable transport and its
goal of reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
Post-COP28 Integration and Future Sustainability
After the conclusion of COP28 on December 12, these electric buses will
seamlessly become a part of Abu Dhabi’s public transportation fleet. As part of
the ongoing expansion of green bus services in the city, the fully integrated
fleet is expected to cover 3,150 km per day, resulting in an annual reduction
of over 900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Charging the electric buses
takes just two hours, representing a pivotal step in Abu Dhabi's environmental
preservation efforts and its broader strategy for eco-friendly transportation
Nadia Nawaz 
