Driverless vehicles will start in this area of Dubai

Gulf News -- Sustainable City in Dubai is on the path to becoming truly sustainable, and the technology is there to prove it.

Authorities on Monday announced that self-driving vehicles will soon be spotted in Sustainable City, as test runs have been scheduled to start in February.

The Dh1.2 billion Sustainable City development in Dubailand features 500 villas and town houses, and has already implemented sustainable elements such as solar panels, LED lighting and green appliances to reduce the level of energy consumption. 

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Sustainable City Project have signed an agreement for self-driverless vehicles to operate on Al Qudra Road from February 2018.

The step stems from the keenness of both parties to support Dubai Government strategy of converting 25 per cent of public transport services to driverless means by 2030.

Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, chief executive officer of RTA licensing agency and deputy chairman of Autonomous Vehicles Committee, said: “The Memorandum of Understanding calls for studying the location of operating the autonomous vehicle in the Sustainable City project in Dubailand, Al Qudra Road, and providing the infrastructure needed for the start of operation.”

Faris Saeed, chief executive officer of Diamond Developers, said: “We are pleased with the enhanced strategic cooperation with the RTA in supporting the Dubai Government plan for transforming 25 per cent of public transport means into driverless modes by 2030."

"The integrated efforts of public and private sectors, and the exchange of experiences in support of sustainable development that conserves the environment will serve the joint interests of making Dubai the best destination for living and business,” Saeed added.