9.4% of Dubai’s transport is currently autonomous, with the goal of reaching 25% by 2030

Mattar Al TayerCommissioner General of Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Welfare and Director General and President of the Council of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA) in Dubai, said that as part of the Dubai Autonomous Transportation StrategyRTA aims to transform 25 percent of total transportation in Dubai to autonomous mode by 2030.

He pointed out that the RTA has made significant progress on its path to achieving the vision of smart leadership to make Dubai the smartest city in the world, currently at 9.4 percent.

Apart from the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai, Al-Tayer He added that despite the great global challenges facing the autonomous transportation sector, the RTA has continued with its schedule to achieve the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy. The first test of Chevrolet Bolt autonomous electric vehicles has been launched, making Dubai the first city in the world outside the United States to operate the company’s autonomous vehicles.

He also noted that an agreement was signed between the Dubai company Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA) and Skyports infrastructure (airports)announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with Dubai Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA) and all-electric aircraft company Joby Aviation will launch passenger air taxi services in Dubai by 2026.

He added that Dubai will become the first city in the world to have air transportation in urban areas through a sophisticated vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) network for air taxis. Four areas have been identified in Dubai to build air taxi stations.

Al-Tayer He also pointed out that the RTA is showing the Joby Aviation S4 It is designed to safely accommodate four passengers plus the pilot. It is equipped with six propellers and four batteries, allowing it to cover a maximum distance of 161 kilometers. With a maximum speed of up to 321 kilometers per hour, the air taxi is less noisy than helicopters. Its vertical takeoff and landing capability makes it efficient for urban environments, eliminating the need for ample horizontal space typically required by conventional stations.

Regarding the number of autonomous vehicles in the Emirate of Dubai currently, Al-Tayer He said that there are currently 5 autonomous vehicles in Dubai and the number will gradually increase by the end of this year. They are currently being tested on specific routes in the Jumeirah area under the supervision of a safety driver. The service will be launched to the public later this year, in 2024, through a dedicated application for use.

Chevrolet Bolt autonomous vehicle

Regarding the models and designs of air taxi stations and the locations of the proposed stations, Al-Tayer He said the air taxi stations are distinguished by their innovative design and include various facilities such as take-off and landing areas, a dedicated area for passengers and safety procedures, and electric charging facilities. They are also integrated with public transportation. In the first phase, flights will operate from four vertiports: Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.

News source: Emirates News Agency