The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), in Abu Dhabi will be launching the second phase of its smart transportation program involving self-driving vehicles.
The Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) will operate in November on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. This will be conducted while reinforcing the operational capabilities of Abu Dhabi’s “Digital Twin” system, which includes building an integrated system serving as a basis for advanced digital simulations and providing support services and technical infrastructure services with operational and technical support supplied by the cloud computing system T100, which in turn facilitates the storage and processing of data through integrated operating systems.
Authorities state that at present, smart transport project on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island currently includes a fleet of eight TXAI autonomous vehicles, the first fully automated self-driving taxis in the UAE, which were launched last May. It also includes four mini Robobuses, which were added to the local transport services in June, in addition to 15 new charging stations added this month on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.
The smart transportation initiative is a partnership between ITC and Bayanat, a G42 business that specializes in geospatial analytics driven by AI.
This is in keeping with the vision of the wise leadership, who aspire to make Abu Dhabi’s cities smarter while promoting sustainability, and as part of its efforts to build a smart transport system that supports development across its various sectors and facilitates the mobility of its residents and visitors.
According to the Integrated Transport Centre, this project is a component of Abu Dhabi’s smart transportation strategy to adopt knowledge- and innovation-based smart and sustainable transportation solutions, which supports the efforts to create cities that are consistent with our future vision and leads to sustainable development in the emirate. To fulfill the objectives of our wise leadership and their futuristic vision, DMT and ITC are striving to develop a smart, integrated, and sustainable transportation system with the help of their key partners in the public and commercial sectors.
Eng. Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat, stated that: “The first phase of the project on Yas Island was a resounding success, reflecting the positive impact that artificial intelligence-supported spatial and geospatial data has on our daily activities and lives. The move to the second phase of the project represents a milestone in the digital transformation of the transport sector in Abu Dhabi. We have increased the size of the fleet and implemented the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, in addition to geographical expansion of operational areas. We are also excited to begin the second phase in cooperation with the Integrated Transport Centre, thereby contributing to the development of smart and sustainable cities, that are in line with the aspirations of the UAE’s wise leadership.”
ITC also announced that the second phase of the project would be launched prior to hosting the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit in November, one of the world’s largest sporting and entertainment events, which strengthens Abu Dhabi’s status as a host of major global sporting events. ITC also added that the project will provide a distinctive and efficient integrated transportation experience for visitors to the event, facilitating transport to and from the race venue and providing new routes that will alleviate traffic congestion through the use of smart transport buses, smart taxis, and the introduction of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART).
Abu Dhabi’s smart digitalization strategy aims to develop an effective and sustainable transport sector that utilizes modern technology to better serve the community by increasing efficiency in the transport system and supporting the transition to smart autonomous vehicles, which are both eco-friendly and sustainable. Advantages of the strategy include reducing the cost of transport and enhancing the quality of life in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, thus promoting its global position as one of the best destinations to live, work and invest. The strategy also contributes to achieving the UAE’s Sustainable Development Goals, reducing carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement of COP 21 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 vision.
