Travel & Tourism

Abu Dhabi residents and visitors can now experience driverless rides in designated areas, including routes to and from Zayed International Airport. The initiative, led by Abu Dhabi Mobility in partnership with Space 42 and Uber, marks a significant step in the emirate’s vision for a smart and sustainable transport sector.

Expansion of Autonomous Taxi Services

The rollout follows the successful completion of 30,000 autonomous trips, covering a total distance of over 430,000 km in Abu Dhabi. The first and second phases of the project saw driverless vehicles operating on Yas and Saadiyat Islands. Now, the service is expanding to include key access roads to and from Zayed International Airport, providing travelers with an innovative and efficient transportation option.

How to Book a Driverless Ride

Passengers can book a driverless taxi to and from Zayed International Airport via the TXAI or Uber mobile applications. The booking process remains as seamless as requesting a regular ride, ensuring ease of use for commuters and travelers.

Commitment to Smart and Sustainable Transport

The introduction of autonomous taxis aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic goal to enhance smart mobility and sustainability. The emirate aims to:

• Increase the percentage of trips using autonomous vehicles to 25% of total trips by 2040.

• Reduce carbon emissions by 15%, supporting environmental sustainability.

• Decrease road accidents by 18%, enhancing road safety.

Dr. Abdulla Al Ghafli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, emphasized the significance of this expansion:
"This marks a strategic step towards developing Abu Dhabi’s smart transport ecosystem. We continue to enhance the digital and regulatory infrastructure to ensure the seamless integration of autonomous vehicles into the existing transport network, adhering to the highest standards of safety and efficiency."

Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Abu Dhabi Mobility, in collaboration with its partners, is actively testing autonomous vehicles while overseeing their operational processes. The service adheres to strict traffic laws and regulations, ensuring public safety. Notably, since the launch of driverless rides in Abu Dhabi, no incidents have been recorded, reflecting the high safety standards of these vehicles in urban settings.

Additionally, public awareness initiatives are being conducted to encourage the adoption of autonomous transport and familiarize commuters with this cutting-edge technology.

Future of Autonomous Transport in Abu Dhabi

As part of its long-term vision, Abu Dhabi Mobility is committed to developing future transport solutions that integrate advanced technologies. The emirate is positioning itself as a global leader in smart mobility and aims to set new benchmarks in the adoption of autonomous transport solutions in line with international best practices.

• Tags
• #Business
• #Magazine
• #Lifestyle