Going from Sci-fi to reality, the RTA has announced another major step in approving self-driving (aka autonomous) cars in the UAE. They revealed that the strategy involved includes short-term steps and long-term plans that include fulfilling the Dubai Self-Driving Vision.

What are autonomous cars?

Autonomous cars are not a new concept to the world – tests and production has been in the making since the 1920s. All the major automakers are in the race to deliver the safest and most high-tech, AI powered self-driving cars. So far, the Audi A8 was claimed to be the only car to reach level 3 automation. Other automakers, like Tesla, are claiming to build cars that are fully autonomous i.e completely self-driving.

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Read more: Toyota will invest $500 million in Uber in deal to put self-driving cars on the road

Dubai is not far behind. The emirate is gearing up to become a pioneer in the field, a lot of tests are being conducted to ensure the safety and accuracy of hybrid, electric autonomous cars.

 

Did you know? The Dubai Metro is already a part of the autonomous system that transports about a million people everyday.  

“RTA has endorsed the testing standards of electric, hybrid and self-driving vehicles in line with the best standards applied in leading countries in this regard worldwide,” said Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, chief executive of RTA’s Licensing Agency.

How will this impact Dubai in the future?

Autonomous driving is expected to disrupt the transportation sector in several ways. In the UAE for example:

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This also means that there is an opportunity for technological advancement in the country and optimized cars which improve the safety and accuracy of driving on the roads, saving hundreds of people everyday and cutting down on labour costs.

What is the RTA’s take on this?

“Our ultimate aim is to empower Dubai to have a global competitive edge in this regard,” said Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, chief executive of RTA’s Licensing Agency.

Dubai targets 25 per cent of all journeys to be self-driving by 2030. The goal was set after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Dubai Smart Self-Driving vision in 2016.

Did you know? Dubai is earmarked as a testing ground for UberAir – an arm of ride hailing company Uber dealing in flying taxis. UberAir is said to have partnered with NASA to develop the necessary air traffic software. UberAir has set itself a deadline of 2020 for initial launch and 2023 for a full-scale operation.

What are your thoughts on autonomous cars? Are you excited about the big change in transportation due to technology? Let us know in the comments below.