
Global Leaders Chart the Future of Mobility at WGS Forum
Dubai's Future of Mobility Forum, held as part of the World Governments Summit (WGS), brought together global leaders and experts to discuss cutting-edge advancements reshaping transportation.
The forum focused on sustainability, AI-driven innovation, and the evolution of aviation and automotive industries.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), highlighted the role of emerging technologies like AI in optimizing transportation. He noted that AI integration could reduce traffic congestion by 30% and travel time in major cities by 25% by 2035. He also emphasized Dubai's commitment to sustainability, with plans to make taxis and limousines fully electric or hydrogen-powered by 2040 and public buses emission-free by 2050. The city's Autonomous Transportation Strategy aims to convert 25% of its transport network to autonomous modes by 2030.
Dubai continues to expand its smart mobility infrastructure, including aerial taxi services, with the first takeoff and landing stations expected near Dubai International Airport by 2026. Additionally, the Blue Line metro extension will add 30 kilometers to the world's longest driverless metro system.
The forum featured key discussions, including 'Reinventing the Wheel,' where industry experts examined how AI, autonomous vehicles, and Big Tech are disrupting the automotive sector. Another session, 'Beyond the Skies,' focused on aviation innovation, sustainable fuels, and electric aircraft.
Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stressed the importance of global cooperation in mobility innovation. The forum concluded with a call to action for industries and governments to embrace transformation, invest in sustainability, and prioritize consumer-focused solutions. As mobility rapidly evolves, such discussions pave the way for a more efficient, sustainable future.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Dubai's RTA begins major roadworks project to run through the summer
The transport authority in Dubai has begun work to improve traffic in the emirate at 40 locations over the summer period. The first phase of the work will cover 22 major streets, nine school zones, more than five development areas, and several internal roads in the Tolerance District, Al Khawaneej 2 and Nad Al Sheba, stated the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The roadworks will be carried out to 'minimise disruption to daily traffic flow', the RTA said in a statement released on Sunday. The next phase will include traffic enhancements at locations such as Jumeirah Village Circle towards Hessa Street, Ras Al Khor Road, Al Thanya Street, and King Salmanbin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street. Additional improvements are to be made to Al Meydan Street, Al Sa'ada Street, Al Asayel Street, and the junction of Al Wasl Street with Al Manara Street. The RTA is also undertaking roadworks at nine school zone locations including upgrades at the Al Warqa 1 school complex, the construction of an additional bus entrance at Gems Education in Al Warqa 3, the widening of access and exit points around The English College in Al Safa 1 on Sheikh Zayed Road, and the installation of a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing on Al Seedaf Street in Al Barsha 1. Work is also being carried at 'five major development zones' as a result of the emirate's population growth and booming economy, the RTA said. This includes the construction of a direct access route to Al Muhaisnah labour camps from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, upgrades to Al Mustaqbal Street (Brookfield) for improved access to newly developed residential communities, better connectivity between Al Khail Road and Al Asayel Street via Al Marabea Street, and enhancements at Nad Al Hamar junction near Lootah Mosque. Additionally, new parking facilities will be developed to serve the Zayed Educational Complex in Oud Al Muteena 1. Internal roadworks will also be carried out in areas including Tolerance District, Al Khawaneej 2, Jebel Ali Industrial 1, Nad Al Sheba, and Al Warqa. Pedestrian walkways will also be constructed in Al Quoz Creative Zone to 'improve pedestrian safety'.


Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Dh55 million for a car number plate? Why are some plates so expensive in the UAE?
Less is more — that's definitely true when it comes to car number plates in the UAE. The fewer the digits, the more expensive they are. This could help explain why Dubai's 'P7' car number plate set the record for the most expensive number plate in the world when it was auctioned for Dh55 million in 2023. This surpassed the previous record of Dh52.5 million set by the 1 number plate sold in Abu Dhabi. Owning a personalised number plate could turn more heads than the car you drive. And thankfully, you don't need to spend millions to acquire one. While single-digit number plates are the most expensive, there are many double and triple-digit combinations that are priced lower. Or, you could go the other way and pick numbers that represent a significant date — such as the date you got married, or the birth date of your children. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has just finished its latest auction of distinctive number plates consisting of three-, four-, and five-digit combinations for private vehicles, classic vehicles, and motorcycles. This was the RTA's 79th online auction and included 350 exclusive plates up for grabs. Many of its auctions are organised to raise money for good causes, such as the 1 Billion Meals Endowment and the Fathers' Endowment Campaign. The One Billion Meals Endowment campaign was launched under the global initiatives umbrella spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the aim of fighting global hunger. One of the most memorable auctions saw Muhammad BinGhatti, chairman of Binghatti Holding, pay Dh35 million for the DD5 number plate, which started with a bidding price of Dh15 million. While single-digit plates are the most exclusive, repeating numbers (like 111, 7777) or patterns (like 1234) are also highly prized. Personalised number plates are bought primarily as a status symbol, much like an expensive watch. But there are also those motorists who buy them as investments, hoping their value will increase over time. Manan Mistry, who owns the company Create Me, has bought four personalised number plates during his 19 years in the UAE. The 45-year-old paid around Dh4,000 per plate, which were put on various cars, including a Hummer, Chevy Camaro and Mustang. Important numbers 'I just thought it would be cool to have what you wanted, so I went ahead and bought personalised plates,' he said. One of the number plates is similar to his phone number while another one is the date of his wedding anniversary. Mistry plans to sell two of them as a pair, but not the marriage date one as it is 'priceless'. 'I also have L plates, which people think is a limo company. But at the time, it was the letter,' he joked. Jamie McGinlay, 49, bought the number plates O 3275 and P 3275 about five years ago and paid Dh9,000 for the pair. 'Originally, one was on my wife's Porsche Cayenne, but it's now on my Lotus Emira. The other has always been on my Aston Martin. I thought it would be a good way of making a little money on something a little fancy as I have always liked cars,' explained McGinlay, who is the CEO of a defence contracting company and has lived in the UAE for 16 years. 'I haven't ever sold them, but I am aware that their value has increased massively.' Back in 2017, the RTA launched a campaign called 'Your Memorable Moments on Your Vehicle's Plate' for U-coded plates. It allowed buyers to choose five-digit plates bearing a code personalised to resemble important dates. If I were to buy them for my two sons' birthdays, the plates would look very similar – 10107 and 10710. If you want a personalised number plate (officially called Special Plate Numbers) in Dubai, you can buy one directly from the RTA, participate in one of its online or physical auctions, or from a second-hand marketplace. The RTA offers customisation services, allowing you to choose letters and numbers that hold personal significance, as long as they haven't already been taken. Regular number plates have single letters at the front, with lower letters like A, B, and C normally meaning they are older. Once you start seeing double letters (like CC) then you will know these are part of a special series or auction. If you are taking part in an auction, make sure you determine your budget before you start bidding. Personalised plates can range in price from thousands to millions of dirhams, so don't get carried away. Having a hard ceiling on the price you are willing to pay will stop your emotions from taking over. Auctions can be competitive, especially for highly sought-after plates, so think carefully before you enter a bidding war.


Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
RTA conducts motorcycle inspection campaigns
As part of its ongoing commitment to training quality and learner safety, the Licensing Agency at Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) carried out a series of comprehensive inspection campaigns across driver training facilities in the emirate. Held over a period of three months under RTA's routine inspection schedule, the campaigns focused on motorcycles used for training driving licence applicants, as well as the condition of training tracks and practice yards. The inspections aimed to ensure full compliance with RTA's approved standards governing track conditions and practical training procedures. These efforts are designed to uphold public safety and ensure a secure, high-quality training environment across all facilities and equipment used in practical driving lessons. The inspection campaigns covered 26 training facilities, during which a total of 2,391 inspections were conducted and several violations were recorded. Among the most notable violations were failure to meet the technical standards for motorcycle tyre maintenance and non-compliance with the training session durations specified by the RTA. Saeed Al Ramsi, Director of Licensing Activities Monitoring at RTA's Licensing Agency, stated: 'One of the key objectives of these campaigns is to stress the importance of regular motorcycle maintenance and the correct placement of directional signage on training tracks, as both are critical to delivering a smooth and safe training experience that meets the highest standards of safety and training quality.' 'These campaigns are part of RTA's efforts to improve service efficiency and ensure that all relevant entities comply with the applicable regulations in a way that enhances the customer experience and their trust in the quality of services delivered.' Recently, the RTA activated the Vehicle Inspection Appointment Booking service on the 'RTA Dubai' app and the website . Effective June 2, 2025, the booking will be mandatory for all vehicle inspections at technical testing centres across the emirate. For customers who prefer to visit without a prior appointment, an optional walk-in service will be available at 19 centres, subject to an additional service fee of Dhs100.