Latest news with #FransHiemstra
Hi Dubai
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hi Dubai
RTA Partners with Uber and WeRide to Launch Autonomous Vehicle Pilot in 2025
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a landmark agreement with Uber Technologies and autonomous driving leader WeRide to begin pilot operations of self-driving vehicles in the city later this year. The move marks a significant step toward Dubai's vision of smart, sustainable mobility, with fully driverless services planned for commercial rollout by 2026. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, autonomous vehicles will initially operate through the Uber app with a safety driver onboard. The pilot phase, currently under preparation by Uber and WeRide, will be overseen and supported strategically by the RTA. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA, emphasized that the initiative aligns with Dubai's goal to convert 25% of all trips into autonomous journeys by 2030. He described the collaboration as reinforcing Dubai's status as a global hub for advanced and sustainable transport solutions. Uber's Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, Frans Hiemstra, highlighted the partnership as part of Uber's commitment to making autonomous, electric, and shared transportation accessible worldwide. Meanwhile, WeRide's CFO Jennifer Li noted the Middle East as a key region in the company's international expansion, expressing pride in supporting Dubai's ambitious smart mobility targets. The pilot program represents Dubai's broader strategy to integrate autonomous vehicles across multiple transport modes, enhancing road safety, sustainability, and connectivity. As governments and tech firms accelerate development and regulation, Dubai aims to lead the global transition toward autonomous urban mobility. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Dubai Eye
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Dubai Eye
Dubai to start trialling self-driving taxis later this year
Dubai will start trialling self-driving taxis later this year under a new partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Uber Technologies and WeRide. The vehicles will be available via the Uber app and will initially operate with a safety driver on board. It will pave the way for the full-scale commercial rollout of driverless services in 2026, RTA announced on Sunday. "The introduction of self-driving taxis will enhance quality of life for residents and visitors, boost road safety, and promote seamless integration across the public transport network by facilitating access to final destinations in line with the specialised First and Last-Mile Strategy," highlighted Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. It also represents "a significant leap towards a smart and sustainable future for mobility" and "supports the objectives of Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which seeks to convert 25 per cent of all mobility journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips by 2030". Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager, MEA at Uber, added that the "strategic collaboration anchors (their) commitment to make autonomous vehicles more accessible to people around the world and we're excited to bring this experience to thousands of riders in Dubai later this year".
TAG 91.1
6 days ago
- Automotive
- TAG 91.1
Dubai to start trialling self-driving taxis later this year
Dubai will start trialling self-driving taxis later this year under a new partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Uber Technologies and WeRide. The vehicles will be available via the Uber app and will initially operate with a safety driver on board. It will pave the way for the full-scale commercial rollout of driverless services in 2026, RTA announced on Sunday. "The introduction of self-driving taxis will enhance quality of life for residents and visitors, boost road safety, and promote seamless integration across the public transport network by facilitating access to final destinations in line with the specialised First and Last-Mile Strategy," highlighted Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. It also represents "a significant leap towards a smart and sustainable future for mobility" and "supports the objectives of Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which seeks to convert 25 per cent of all mobility journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips by 2030". Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager, MEA at Uber, added that the "strategic collaboration anchors (their) commitment to make autonomous vehicles more accessible to people around the world and we're excited to bring this experience to thousands of riders in Dubai later this year".
