RTA launches pilot operation of next-generation electric bus
16 Apr 2025 17:39
ABU DHABI (WAM)Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently launched the pilot operation of a new electric bus on Route F13, a feeder service to metro stations.The route starts from Al Quoz Bus Depot and passes through key destinations, including Burj Khalifa, The Palace Downtown Hotel, and Dubai Fountain, before terminating at the Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop (South).The electric bus is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including advanced features such as high-definition camera and screen systems that replace traditional mirrors, and a transparent head-up display that projects essential driving information onto the front windscreen to support driver awareness and other smart systems.The RTA aims to operate smart, eco-friendly public transport systems supported by innovative technology, reinforcing its commitment to transforming all public transport into zero-emission mobility by 2050. This initiative ensures seamless and sustainable transportation across Dubai.The bus has been designed to suit Dubai's local environmental conditions and is equipped with innovative smart technologies and modern specifications. These include a best-in-class air conditioning system and high-capacity batteries with 470 kWh of storage—the largest of any electric bus previously tested in RTA's fleet.When fully charged, the bus can travel up to 370 km. The vehicle is a 12-metre-long city bus with a total capacity of 76 passengers, including 41 seated and 35 standing.Marwan Al Zarooni, Director of Buses at RTA's Public Transport Agency, said, 'The technologies integrated into the new electric bus, manufactured by Volvo, will enable RTA teams to collect data that supports the adoption of new concepts and specifications for future buses—enhancing both performance and safety throughout the journey.'He explained that through this trial, RTA will monitor the environmental benefits of operating the electric bus within the Public Transport Agency's fleet on a high-demand route with actual passengers.
The trial will assess the reduction in carbon emissions, the real-world range achieved on a full charge, and the vehicle's ability to meet operational requirements under varying weather conditions, particularly during summer.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
4 hours ago
- Al Etihad
FNC discusses cooperation with Brazilian, Belarusian parliaments
7 June 2025 14:10 BRASÍLIA (WAM)Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Committee on Defence, Interior, and Foreign Affairs in the UAE Federal National Council (FNC), met with Senator Davi Alcolumbre, President of the Senate of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held at the National Congress in Brasí meeting was attended by Sara Falaknaz, FNC member, and Saleh Ahmed Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Alcolumbre praised the active participation of the UAE parliamentary delegation in the forum, and stressed the importance of strengthening parliamentary ties, which serve as a vital channel for broadening avenues of expressed appreciation for the UAE's role in promoting transparency and advancing economic development at both regional and international Al Nuaimi affirmed the depth of bilateral relations between the UAE and Brazil, noting the UAE considers Brazil a strategic partner across various sectors. He emphasised the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in development projects that benefit both countries and their two sides explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, highlighting promising opportunities in key sectors such as advanced technology, energy and economic investment, all contributing to broader and more sustainable strategic the meeting, Dr. Al Nuaimi delivered an official letter from Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, addressed to the President of the Brazilian Senate, extending a formal invitation to visit the a separate meeting, Dr. Al Nuaimi also held talks with Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Standing Commission for Foreign Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of parties affirmed the strength of UAE-Belarus relations and stressed the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation, maintaining ongoing dialogue and coordination on matters of mutual interest to strengthen shared strategic objectives and mutual the meeting, attended by FNC member Sara Falkanaz, Dr. Al Nuaimi highlighted the rapid growth of UAE-Belarus relations, noting the significant opportunities for further collaboration across sectors, and stressing that current global challenges require the establishment of effective partnerships and the adoption of flexible and innovative models for international cooperation.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
UAE sets global benchmark in peaceful nuclear energy development
6 June 2025 20:12 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE continues to cement its status as a global role model in developing a peaceful nuclear energy programme that adheres to the highest standards of safety, transparency, and international comes at a time when the world is increasingly turning to reliable energy sources that can support the transition to climate the outset, the UAE adopted a collaborative and open approach, forging robust international partnerships, most notably with the Republic of Korea and the United States, to drive forward its nuclear Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), highlighted the international stature of the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy highlighted the country's success in developing a global model for integrating nuclear power into a diverse and innovative energy Hammadi noted that this achievement is rooted in the visionary leadership of the UAE, a clearly defined roadmap, and a firm commitment to the highest standards of safety and transparency, underpinned by strong international statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Hammadi added that the UAE has been a pioneer in international cooperation and coordination within the nuclear energy sector. He pointed to the country's significant efforts in this vital field, which culminated during the COP28 with over 30 nations pledging to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of the drive toward climate neutrality. Additionally, nearly 120 companies and banks worldwide committed to supporting this ambitious also highlighted the innovative model of international cooperation between the UAE and the US, which addresses the demands of the modern era and its rapid technological advancements, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and data Hammadi emphasised that securing clean and reliable energy sources, such as nuclear power, is essential to support initiatives like the ''Stargate UAE'' project. Launched by a consortium of tech companies, the initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global AI their part, key UAE entities, led by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), play a central role in advancing the UAE's nuclear programme. Through a robust network of strategic and technical international partnerships, these institutions have facilitated knowledge transfer, experience exchange, and the development of specialised human with the Republic of Korea has served as the cornerstone for the successful development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Over time, this partnership has expanded to include new investment opportunities in international ventures, including the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).On the regulatory front, the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) maintains agreements with its Korean counterpart covering joint inspections and capacity building. These ties are further strengthened through regular meetings to monitor technological advancements and regulatory the United States, the UAE has signed a series of strategic agreements aimed at advancing nuclear innovation and sustainability. These include a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop solutions for producing hydrogen, water, and steam at the Barakah Nuclear Energy UAE has also partnered with TerraPower to support the development of advanced reactors, and signed an MoU with General Atomics (GA), a leading US advanced technology solutions company, to collaborate on using advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy recently, a partnership was announced with GE Vernova to jointly evaluate the deployment of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology part of its efforts to expand its network of strategic partnerships, the UAE is actively exploring avenues of cooperation with China in the development and operation of nuclear power plants, both domestically and in third countries. Areas of collaboration include the operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities, the development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, nuclear fuel supply chains, and investment parallel, FANR has strengthened its ties with counterpart agencies through agreements that enhance cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and capacity building, further reinforcing the UAE's commitment to global nuclear a move that underscores the expanding international footprint of the UAE's nuclear programme, ENEC has signed a cooperation agreement with Romania. As part of the agreement, the UAE will support the development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Romania, backed by an investment of $275 UAE continues to affirm its leadership as a regional model for countries pursuing nuclear energy as a strategic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have concluded the first bilateral cooperation initiative in the nuclear regulatory industry. The cooperation follows the 2019 agreement on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy between the two was followed by regulatory partnerships focused on exchanging expertise, enhancing legislative frameworks, and strengthening emergency preparedness. Further expanding its regional outreach, the UAE and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at COP28. The MoU sets the framework to explore opportunities for cooperation in advancing the use of peaceful nuclear energy and knowledge exchange.
Khaleej Times
a day 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.
