HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved RTA’s Self-driving Transport Strategy. The Strategy is aligned with Dubai’s Smart  Transport Strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Such a strategy aims to convert 25% of total mobility journeys in Dubai into self-driving journeys by 2030.

“RTA’s Self-driving Transport Strategy has several attributes that sets it a class apart from other strategies. First, the transition to self-driving in Dubai is powered by a government entity whereas it is the private sector that drives this transition in many other cities and countries. Secondly, Dubai’s strategy is inclusive of all mass transit modes such as trains, buses, marine transit modes and taxis, as well as private vehicles, while many countries focus on a limited number of transit modes. Additionally, RTA’s strategy includes a global contest between companies, which have made significant advancements in the field of smart transport that would be announced later on,” added Al Tayer.

“To realize the objectives of this strategy, RTA is seeking to introduce an array of enablers that would be developed in a parallel manner. They include enacting legizlations & rules for self-driving transport, enhancing public adaptability to this technology, developing conditions & regulations for testing & licensing of self-driving vehicles, chalking up a structure for insurance & liability, and addressing the requirements of infrastructure. Enablers also include developing a structure for e-security along with a technology-driven communication system to ensure effective communication & interaction between vehicles as well as safe & smooth transport for all. High-definition e-maps would also be developed to avail the use of technologies and beat geographical & climatic conditions,” explained Al Tayer.