It started with a pothole, and ended with a viral lesson in efficiency. When Dubai resident Reshab Nagpal shared a short Instagram video showing the city’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) repairing a damaged road within hours, the post quickly captured the internet’s attention. Viewers were amazed by the speed and coordination, and for many, it became yet another reminder of why Dubai’s infrastructure is so widely admired.
From complaint to completion: Dubai fixes road within hours
On November 2, Nagpal, an Indian resident in Dubai, posted a video documenting a rapid road repair carried out by the RTA. The work began after his friend lodged a complaint about a pothole-ridden stretch of road. To their surprise, RTA workers arrived with equipment by 12:30 pm, assuring that the repairs would be completed by eveningIn the clip, which has since gained more than 50,000 views, crews can be seen clearing, levelling, and resurfacing the damaged section in real time. Around ten workers, assisted by trucks, a lorry, and heavy rollers, quickly filled and smoothened the five-metre stretch of asphalt while traffic continued to flow in coordination. Two RTA staff members stood on either side of the single open lane, managing the movement of vehicles with careful timing to ensure there were no disruptions despite the ongoing repair. By 4:30 pm, the job was finished. The road was repaired, repainted, and reopened, all within a few hours of the initial complaint. “It is 4.30 right now. Road is done and operational. It has been painted as well. This is Dubai. This is why everyone loves Dubai,” Nagpal said in the video. He added that such work could take “weeks or months” elsewhere, marvelling at how quickly Dubai’s system responded. “And if you see, there are so many people standing on the side, watching how it has been done. Because this is unbelievable. Usually, this could take up to one or two or three weeks, or maybe months. This is just done in a few hours,” he remarked. Once the work was completed, the road was repainted, and all construction materials and equipment, brought in by trucks for the repair, were efficiently cleared away, leaving the area spotless and fully operational.
Online praise
The post soon went viral, drawing over 50,000 views and prompting local news outlets and community pages to pick up the story. Many social media users praised the RTA’s efficiency and responsiveness, often comparing it to slower repair processes in other countries. Comments poured in:“This is so so so good, we must learn from them.” “Things to learn from Dubai.” “Instant service.” The overwhelming reaction reflected a shared appreciation for Dubai’s ability to turn citizen feedback into swift, tangible action.
RTA’s drive for community involvement
The RTA has long encouraged residents to participate actively in maintaining the city’s infrastructure. Through its Mahboub WhatsApp service, residents can now report issues directly by messaging +971 58 800 9090. The chatbot allows users to share photos, pinpoint problem locations, and describe concerns about pavements, traffic signals, bus shelters, road signs, or other infrastructure assets. Mahboub also supports parking payments, customer queries, and service updates, streamlining how residents interact with the city’s transport authority. This approach ensures that small maintenance issues are resolved before they escalate, helping Dubai sustain its reputation for order and efficiency.
When social media speeds up solutions
This wasn’t the first time that citizen reporting led to rapid repairs. On September 22, 2025, another resident flagged a pothole in Al Karama via Instagram. The RTA responded immediately, and the road was completely repaired within two days, restoring smooth traffic flow. These examples underline how community vigilance and responsive governance work hand in hand to keep Dubai’s roads in top condition. By making it easy for residents to report issues, and by responding swiftly and visibly, the RTA not only maintains safety and infrastructure quality but also strengthens public trust.
