According to Mattar Al Tayer, commissioner-general for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar, as well as the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, the RTA aims to convert 25 percent of Dubai’s total transportation to autonomous mode by 2030 as part of the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy. Currently, the percentage stands at 9.4 percent, showcasing significant progress towards the vision of making Dubai the smartest city in the world.
Read more: Dubai begins digital mapping for a fleet of driverless taxis
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024 in Dubai, Al Tayer stated that despite the challenges faced by the self-driving transport sector, the RTA remains committed to achieving the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy. The first trial run of self-driving Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles has been launched, making Dubai the first city outside the US to operate these vehicles.
Additionally, an agreement has been signed between the RTA and Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), along with all-electric aircraft company Joby Aviation, to introduce passenger air taxi services in Dubai by 2026. Dubai will be the first city in the world to have air transport in urban areas through a sophisticated network of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) for air taxis. Four areas in Dubai have been designated to build air taxi stations.
Joby aviation S4
Al Tayer highlighted the features of the Joby Aviation S4, which is designed to accommodate four passengers and a pilot. Equipped with six propellers and four battery packs, it can cover a maximum distance of 161km and reach speeds of up to 321km per hour. The aerial taxi is quieter than helicopters and its vertical take-off and landing capability makes it suitable for urban environments, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal space.
Current testing and supervision
Regarding self-driving vehicles, Al Tayer mentioned that there are currently five such vehicles being tested in Dubai on specific routes in the Jumeirah area under the supervision of a safety driver. The number of self-driving vehicles will gradually increase by the end of this year, and the service will be launched to the public in 2024 through a dedicated application.
Innovative design and facilities
In terms of air taxi stations, Al Tayer explained that they are characterized by innovative design and include facilities such as take-off and landing areas, passenger areas, security procedures, and electric charging facilities. These stations will also be integrated with public transportation. In the initial phase, flights will operate from four vertiports: Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina.
For more news on logistics, click here.
