Dubai, known for its forward-thinking approach, has set its sights on becoming the smartest city in the world. Mattar Al Tayer, the 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), recently announced that the RTA aims to convert 25 percent of Dubai’s total transportation to autonomous mode by 2030. This bold vision is part of the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, and the city has already made significant progress, with the current percentage standing at 9.4 percent.
Despite the challenges faced by the self-driving transport sector, Al Tayer affirmed the RTA’s unwavering commitment to achieving their goals. Dubai has taken a significant step forward by launching the first trial run of self-driving Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles, making it the first city outside the US to operate these vehicles. This achievement demonstrates Dubai’s determination to be at the forefront of technological advancements.
In addition to autonomous cars, Dubai is also set to pioneer passenger air taxi services. The RTA has signed an agreement with Skyports Infrastructure and Joby Aviation to introduce air taxis by 2026. This groundbreaking initiative will make Dubai 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.
Al Tayer provided insights into Joby Aviation’s S4, an electric aircraft 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. With its quiet operation and vertical take-off and landing capabilities, the S4 is perfectly suited for urban environments, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal space.
Dubai’s commitment to progress is further evident in its testing and supervision of self-driving vehicles. Currently, five self-driving vehicles are being tested in specific routes in the Jumeirah area under the supervision of a safety driver. The number of self-driving vehicles will gradually increase throughout the year, with plans to launch the service to the public in 2024 through a dedicated application.
To support the operation of air taxis, Dubai is developing innovative air taxi stations. These stations will feature innovative designs and include facilities such as take-off and landing areas, passenger areas, security procedures, and electric charging facilities. Importantly, these stations will be integrated with public transportation to offer seamless connectivity. Initial flights will operate from four designated vertiports: Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina.
Dubai’s ambitious vision for autonomous transportation and air taxis showcases its determination to lead the way in futuristic mobility solutions. With these initiatives, Dubai is shaping a future where smart, efficient, and sustainable transportation is not only a dream but a reality.
FAQ Section:
1. What is Dubai’s goal for autonomous transportation?
Dubai aims to convert 25 percent of its total transportation to autonomous mode by 2030, as part of its Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy.
2. What percentage of Dubai’s transportation is currently in autonomous mode?
The current percentage of Dubai’s transportation in autonomous mode is 9.4 percent.
3. Has Dubai made any progress in self-driving vehicles?
Yes, Dubai has launched the first trial run of self-driving Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles, becoming the first city outside the US to operate these vehicles.
4. What is Dubai’s plan for air taxi services?
Dubai plans to introduce passenger air taxi services by 2026 through an agreement with Skyports Infrastructure and Joby Aviation. This initiative will make Dubai the first city in the world to have air transport in urban areas using vertical take-off and landing technology.
5. Can you provide details about Joby Aviation’s S4 aircraft?
The S4 is an electric aircraft designed to accommodate four passengers and a pilot. It has six propellers, four battery packs, a maximum range of 161km, and can reach speeds of up to 321km per hour. It is suitable for urban environments with its quiet operation and vertical take-off and landing capabilities.
6. When will self-driving vehicles be available to the public in Dubai?
Dubai plans to launch the self-driving vehicle service to the public in 2024 through a dedicated application.
7. How is Dubai developing infrastructure for air taxis?
Dubai is developing innovative air taxi stations that will include take-off and landing areas, passenger areas, security procedures, and electric charging facilities. These stations will be integrated with public transportation for seamless connectivity. Initial flights will operate from four designated vertiports: Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina.
Definitions:
– Autonomous mode: Refers to the operation of vehicles without human intervention, using artificial intelligence and sensors to navigate and make decisions.
– Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL): Technology that enables aircraft to take off and land vertically, without the need for a traditional runway.
– Jumeirah area: A specific area in Dubai where self-driving vehicles are currently being tested.
– Safety driver: A person who supervises the operation of a self-driving vehicle and can take control if necessary.
Related links:
– Dubai.com (Official website of Dubai)
– RTA (Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai)
The source of the article is from the blog be3.sk