DUBAI Dubai’s Road & Transport Authority has signed deals for the supply of new buses from Volvo and MAN. Volvo Buses, in collaboration with its local partner FAMCO, has secured a contract for the supply of 76 Volvo B13RLE-based tri-axle double-decker buses, the first time the model has been exported to the country. Volvo says the deal marks a significant milestone in the tender process, made possible by collaborative efforts with its local business partner FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company). Alongside the delivery of buses, the contract also includes a 10-year maintenance agreement. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, the buses will be manufactured by bodybuilder Gemilang Coachworks to a new exterior and interior design, says Volvo.
“RTA in Dubai operates one of the most sophisticated public bus networks in the region, delivering world-class services to passengers. Volvo Buses remains committed to supporting this vision by providing high-quality vehicles in partnership with leading bodybuilders, ensuring optimal performance and uptime,” said Jithesh KV, Director of Volvo Buses in the Middle East.
The order takes RTA’s Volvo to 592 buses. “We are truly proud to be part of Dubai’s fleet modernisation journey. Securing this order underlines our ability to deliver superior products and services, and a repeat order from RTA is a clear testament to their confidence in us,” added Manish Sahi, Volvo’s Vice President for the Middle East region. “With sustainability, efficiency, and safety at the core of our offerings, this partnership represents another step forward in shaping the future of urban mobility in Dubai.”
The RTA has also ordered 400 12-metre MAN Lion’s City single-deck buses, which will be powered by a 330hp nine-litre Euro VI diesel engine, signing the contract at the UITP Summit in Hamburg in collaboration with local dealer United Motors. The new buses are scheduled to enter service in early 2026. “This further major order in the Middle East and the long-standing partnership with RTA impressively demonstrate that our vehicles are extremely well received internationally and impress transport companies from all over the world,” said Barbaros Oktay, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus.
“This significant milestone about the cooperation between MAN, United Motors and RTA shows that MAN keeps on producing the right products for the Middle East region for more than 15 years,” said Thomas Hemmerich, Head of International Sales at MAN.
Dubai’s RTA has been working with United Motors since 2008, having initially taken delivery of 150 articulated buses, 75 single-deckers buses and 170 double-decker buses from Neoplan, followed in 2017 by the handover of a further 79 MAN double-deckers. Today, around 200 city buses from the two brands are still in use, some of which have now covered almost two million kilometres.
