The future of transport is moving towards green and practical solutions, so advanced mobility and autonomous technology are becoming necessary. A significant step in this green path is reforming the public transport infrastructure using hyperloops, flying taxis, and other innovative technologies, which would take sustainable urban mobility to the edge.

Under its forward-thinking leadership, the UAE has developed into an innovation force in the last decade, becoming a significant economic and social center in the MENA region and a massive contributor to global climate efforts. Thanks to the integration of emerging technologies, the vision of a smart and autonomous transportation system is becoming more realistic.

The Smart Mobility Landscape in the UAE

The UAE targets Net Zero by 2050 by fostering low-carbon investments to drive economic diversification, growth, and job creation, with a solid focus on environmental-friendly innovation, including mobility. Several of the UAE’s strategic initiatives in the last few years confirm the country’s efforts towards a greener future of transport– one of these initiatives is the recently launched Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. The SAVI cluster is set to transform the landscape of smart and autonomous vehicles across air, land, and sea mobility by bringing together key stakeholders and providing academia, test zones, R&D labs, certification facilities, and more.

Hyperloops, produced in partnership with Virgin Hyperloop, is another initiative that seeks to bring Dubai-Abu Dhabi travel time to just 12 minutes, challenging the speed limits in the US. Skyway Technologies partners with RTA for SkyWay Dubai, a modern rail system with driverless pods hanging on cables, to connect 21 stops, including Business Bay and DIFC, at 150 km/hr pace. H.H. Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also announced the flying taxis. Their routes connect hotspots, such as Dubai International Airport and Dubai Marina, and are expected to be launched by 2026. 

Moreover, Dubai’s Autonomous Transportation Strategy will automatize 25% of the emirate’s transport system by 2030 and add over Dh20 billion yearly to the economy. The initiative is set to bring 44%, or about Dh900 million, from reduced transport costs, 12% fewer accidents that could save up to Dh2 billion, 13% more efficient transportation systems that could add Dh18 billion annually, and a cleaner environment.

Mobilizing The New Horizon of Transportation

The UAE’s future is revolutionizing mobility through smart and autonomous transport solutions. To achieve that, it’s critical to establish regulatory frameworks that facilitate the safe and efficient deployment of SAVs. Equally important is establishing a solid logistical system that includes communication networks and maintenance facilities, allowing the smooth operation of SAVs within the country. 

The SAVI cluster and other initiatives will decrease transportation costs, lower carbon emissions, and increase efficiency by combining technology, sustainability, and smart urban planning.