Dubai Times All About Dubai
Driverless taxis will be a reality in Dubai in 2023. The transport regulatory authority of Dubai, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will start conducting pilot tests for these autonomous vehicles later this year.
According to recent reports, 10 automated taxis supplied by US firm Cruise will start plying on Dubai roads by late 2023. These fully automated vehicles were acquired by RTA at the World Government Summit 2022 held in Dubai during the Expo 2020.
The launch of driverless taxis is in line with Dubai’s stated aim of becoming the smartest city in the world. The strategy, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, seeks to convert 25 percent of transportation modes in Dubai to driverless trips by 2030. As many as 4,000 driverless taxis are expected to be operational in Dubai by 2030.
Last year the UAE ranked eighth in KPMG’s annual Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index, performing well in technology infrastructure and the willingness of its people and government to embrace driverless cars.
