Latest news with #RoadandTransportAuthority
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Uber and WeRide to introduce self-driving vehicles in Dubai
Uber and WeRide have teamed up with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to advance autonomous vehicle (AV) mobility in the city. The collaboration will integrate AVs into Uber's platform, with Chinese autonomous driving technology company WeRide as the first technology partner. Uber Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations Global Head Noah Zych said: 'We're thrilled to be working with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority to bring autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, starting with our technology partner WeRide. 'At Uber, we're building the future of transportation, working with the world's leading autonomous vehicle developers to help commercialize and deploy this technology at scale around the world. 'With WeRide as our first AV technology partner in the UAE, we're providing riders with a reliable and forward-thinking mobility solution that aligns with the country's ambitions for smart cities and future transport.' Under the agreement, Uber and RTA will conduct pilot programmes to match riders with AVs using the former's technology while ensuring a 'seamless' user experience. The partnership will also focus on data analysis, safety measures, and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the transition to autonomous mobility in Dubai. This initiative expands Uber's global efforts in AV technology, adding Dubai to its list of markets working with industry leaders to implement self-driving solutions. WeRide chief financial officer and head of international business Jennifer Li said: 'Dubai marks a natural step forward in our commitment to advancing mobility in the Middle East as well as our continued global expansion. 'We believe our advanced autonomous driving technology and operational experience combined with Uber's powerful global mobility platform will help us serve millions of consumers in cities around the world.' In July 2023, WeRide secured the national licence for self-driving vehicles on public roads in UAE. Its AVs were commercially launched in Abu Dhabi through Uber in December 2024. Lats month, WeRide obtained a Level-4 driverless public road testing and operating permit in France. This was achieved in collaboration with French autonomous mobility network operator beti, making WeRide the only technology firm with driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the US. "Uber and WeRide to introduce self-driving vehicles in Dubai" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
What's On
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- What's On
5 AI-powered systems coming to Dubai that will change the way we live
AI Week is here and the future is now… AI Week in Dubai is in full swing, and this week is all about exploring the future of AI and AI-powered living, and dedicated to driving global AI innovation. Here are five AI-powered systems that may soon be a normal part of our lives. Driverless taxis Driverless taxis have been on the horizon for a few years now. In 2021, an agreement was signed between the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Cruise, a leading US-based autonomous vehicle company to operate self-driving taxis and ride-hailing services in the emirate. These self-driving vehicles are expected to significantly improve road safety levels, as over 90 per cent of accidents are due to human errors. The vehicles are all-electric, environmentally friendly, and capable of serving a wide range of clients from different community segments, including seniors and people of determination. AI-powered traffic signals This next-generation traffic signal control system (UTC-UX Fusion), incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and digital twin technologies. Features of the new system will include predictive traffic analysis to optimise signal timings in anticipation of expected traffic movements, digital twin technology, priority-based traffic management and greater efficiency. The project aims to improve travel time and reduce congestion by 10 to 20 per cent. The estimated time of implementation is the first-half of 2026. Cloud seeding You might also like Everything we know: The Apple iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air in the UAE Cloud seeding has been a thing in Dubai for a long time now, more and more in recent years as the volume of rain has gone up. The 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF) this past January saw a discussion on the use of AI in the cloud seeding process, and it could very much be a reality. During the discussion, weather experts explored AI's potential to enhance both the forecasting of weather patterns and intervening in climatic conditions; as well as its role in predictive algorithm building and high-resolution cloud-scale modelling. Read more here. Paying with your palm at Metro stations We could be paying with our palms at Metro gates very soon, as RTA revealed earlier the possibility of a brand new technology that could be integrated into our public transport – palm scan gate access. This could our reality very soon, employing the tools of Artificial Intelligence and the virtual Metaverse. This whole mechanism will allow Metro users and commuters to move efficiently without the use of physical a Nol card, as this system will allow the person's palm to be linked to the card. Driverless pods At Gitex Global 2024, Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled plans for another new way to get around town. The Floc Duo Rail is a self-driving, futuristic-looking electric pod rail system, and could become a hassle-free way to travel around Dubai. It will be able to operate both suspended in the air and on the ground and could help passengers get either from A to B, or be used to take multiple passengers from certain points to other transport networks, such as the Dubai Metro. Read more here. @rta_dubai Images: Socials
Khaleej Times
13-03-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE driving licence age lowered: 17-year-olds line up to get permits
Many teenagers who are turning 17 or have already turned 17 are eagerly waiting to apply for their driving licences as the UAE has announced that they can officially register for permits from March 29 this year. The UAE Government in October 2024, announced a new federal decree law on traffic regulations, which will come into effect on March 29, 2025. According to an advisory from the UAE Government Media Office, the minimum age to obtain a licence for cars and light vehicles has been lowered from 18 to 17 years. For Rhea and Rohan Nihalani, twins who turned 17 in November, this is an exciting opportunity. They have even turned it into a friendly competition to see who will be the first to get their licence. They twins are now waiting for March 29 to be able to register for their driving licence. 'Whoever wins gets first dibs driving our parents' car and of course bragging rights,' said Rhea. 'When I win, I'm going to drive myself to the beach and go surfing. I also want to drive myself to school occasionally. I can't wait to have the freedom to go places without bothering my parents.' An avid metro user, Rohan said that he would be very excited to drive himself to places that public transport doesn't take him. 'There are so many places that I can't get to because the metro doesn't go there,' he said. 'I am looking forward to going to many of those places with friends. Even going to a fast food drive-through would be great.' Rhea said she was not worried about being some of the youngest to ever legally drive on UAE roads. 'I will be learning under experienced instructors and taking a RTA test,' she said. 'So, I think concerns surrounding my safety would not really be applicable.' Similarly, Amaan Mohiddina, who turns 17 in April, is counting down the days until he can register for his licence. For him, getting behind the wheel is not just about independence but also about responsibility. 'I have always loved cars, but learning to drive is more than just fun. It's about becoming self-dependent,' he said. 'I want to be able to drive my younger sister to school and help my parents with dropping me and picking me up. It'll be great to pick up my friends and go on road trips without relying on taxis or public transport.' While he's excited, Ayaan is also cautious about the responsibility that comes with driving. 'I know that driving in the UAE requires discipline and awareness,' he added. 'I'm making sure to take my lessons seriously and be a safe driver from day one.' While many youngsters are eager to begin the process, driving schools are awaiting further details from Dubai's Road and Transport Authority. Fatima Raees, director of customer experience and marketing at Emirates Driving Institute, said that they have been receiving a surge in inquiries regarding the new law. 'We have been getting a lot of enquiries from parents and teenagers about the 17-year-old licence eligibility. However, we have not yet received any directives from the RTA regarding changes in the process,' she said. 'As of now, the procedure remains the same. Applicants will have to take mandatory driving classes and pay the standard fees.' Raees clarified that a 17-and-a-half-year-old can register. 'They can take lessons, and even pass the driving test. However, the licence will only be issued once the applicant turns 18,' added Raees.
What's On
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- What's On
Dubai makes further announcement on new AI-powered traffic system
This AI powered system should cut traffic congestion by a whopping 20 per cent… We all know that the traffic in Dubai is not great at the moment, and that's why it's amazing to see so many efforts by the city to improve it. Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that it has started work on on the next-generation traffic signal control system (UTC-UX Fusion), incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and digital twin technologies. According to RTA, the project aims to improve travel time and reduce congestion by 10 to 20 per cent and overall enhance the travel experience for all motorists in Dubai including public transport passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, while also prioritising emergency vehicles and public transport. Today, RTA released a further announcement on the details of the AI-powered signalling system, and that it's expected to be completed by the first half of 2026. Features of this new system include predictive traffic analysis to optimise signal timings in anticipation of expected traffic movements. It also incorporates digital twin technology, allowing signal adjustments to be simulated and their impact assessed before actual implementation, while also enabling priority-based traffic management. Additionally, the system will use data from road sensors to further refine signal timings with greater efficiency. Hussain Al Banna, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, stated:'The UTC-UX Fusion system dynamically adapts to real-time traffic changes by analysing data and making intelligent decisions to optimise signal timings. It also supports future technologies and initiatives, such as Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS/V2X), which facilitate communication between smart vehicles and traffic signals to enhance traffic flow efficiency. This will play a key role in reducing journey times, improving traffic fluidity, and enhancing the overall mobility experience across Dubai, There have been lots of attempts by the Dubai government and RTA to help ease the traffic, we've rounded them all up here. Dubai is in the future… Image: RTA > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- What's On
Dubai announces new AI-powered traffic system
This AI powered system should cut traffic congestion by a whopping 20 per cent… We all know that the traffic in Dubai is not great at the moment, and that's why it's amazing to see so many efforts by the city to improve it. Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that it has started work on on the next-generation traffic signal control system (UTC-UX Fusion), incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and digital twin technologies. According to RTA, the project aims to improve travel time and reduce congestion by 10 to 20 per cent and overall enhance the travel experience for all motorists in Dubai including public transport passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, while also prioritising emergency vehicles and public transport. Features of this new system include predictive traffic analysis to optimise signal timings in anticipation of expected traffic movements. It also incorporates digital twin technology, allowing signal adjustments to be simulated and their impact assessed before actual implementation, while also enabling priority-based traffic management. Additionally, the system will use data from road sensors to further refine signal timings with greater efficiency. Hussain Al Banna, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, stated:'The UTC-UX Fusion system dynamically adapts to real-time traffic changes by analysing data and making intelligent decisions to optimise signal timings. It also supports future technologies and initiatives, such as Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS/V2X), which facilitate communication between smart vehicles and traffic signals to enhance traffic flow efficiency. This will play a key role in reducing journey times, improving traffic fluidity, and enhancing the overall mobility experience across Dubai, There have been lots of announcement recently to assist in the traffic movements around the emirate, such as improved public transport options like the RTA Rail Bus, the Dubai Loop underground system. Additionally, there is constant development of roads with a Dhs798 project been announced to cut Dubai traffic and reduce some motorists travel time from 9.4 minutes to 2.8 minutes. Dubai is in the future… Image: RTA > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
