From driverless cars to a rail system that links all seven emirates and beyond…
Exciting megaprojects are on the horizon in the UAE, from amazing new hotel openings and trendy historic museums to man-made islands, shopping malls, and more. Plus, we can look forward to a range of new transportation systems that are set to transform the landscape!
As we know, the UAE already has various public transportation options, including water taxis, the Dubai Metro, a tram system, and a monorail. However, even more exciting developments are on the way.
Here are seven new transportation systems coming to the UAE:
UAE
Etihad Rail
One of the UAE’s most ambitious travel initiatives is the 1,200km Etihad Rail network. This extensive project will connect all seven emirates and has future plans to reach beyond our borders into the rest of the GCC.
The rail system will carry both cargo and passengers. As Etihad Rail announced, “The National Rail Network is complete,” and commercial freight operations have already started. While we might have to wait a bit longer for passenger trains, we’ll be keeping an eye on the project and sharing key updates and milestones as they come!
Dubai
Driverless taxis
In 2021, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, announced an agreement between the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Cruise, a leading US-based autonomous vehicle company. This partnership will bring self-driving taxis and ride-hailing services to Dubai, supporting the city’s 2030 vision for self-driving technology. With this agreement, Dubai becomes the first non-US city in the world to commercially operate Cruise’s autonomous vehicles.
These self-driving vehicles are anticipated to greatly enhance road safety, as over 90% of accidents are caused by human error. They are all-electric and environmentally friendly, designed to cater to a diverse range of clients, including seniors and individuals of determination.
The most recent update on driverless cars came this December when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, took the first test ride in a Cruise autonomous electric vehicle. Testing will continue, and the RTA will soon announce a registration process that will enable selected members of the public to use the Cruise ride-hailing app for a hands-on experience.
Flying taxis
Dubai: In February 2023, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, confirmed the models for aerial taxi stations developed by the RTA. The initial launch will connect four key areas: Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa area), Dubai Marina, Dubai International Airport, and Palm Jumeirah. According to the Dubai Ruler, the emirate is set to begin its aerial taxi service by 2026. These taxis can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h and can accommodate up to four passengers along with one pilot.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Archer Aviation has announced that flying taxis could be a reality in the UAE as early as 2025. The aviation team has partnered with Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Aviation to create a network of vertiports in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with plans for a launch next year. The best part? The flight time could be as short as 30 minutes, compared to the current 60 to 90-minute commute.
Ras Al Khaimah: It’s not just Dubai and Abu Dhabi that are venturing into air mobility; Ras Al Khaimah has also announced plans to introduce air transport by 2027. The flying taxis will connect Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais, with a flight time of just 20 minutes.
At Gitex Global 2024, Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) introduced an exciting new way to navigate the city, potentially freeing us from the traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road. The Floc Duo Rail is a self-driving, futuristic electric pod rail system that promises a hassle-free travel experience in Dubai. It can operate both suspended in the air and on the ground, making it ideal for transporting passengers from point A to point B or connecting multiple passengers to other transport networks, like the Dubai Metro.
Sky Pods
These cable car-like contraptions are officially known as “Suspended Transport Systems.” HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has approved the 65km network as part of Dubai’s Smart Mobility Strategy. The service will connect Umm Suqeim Street, Al Khor, and Zabeel. Manufacturers assert that it can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h, and because it’s a group transit system powered by solar energy, it can be five times more energy-efficient than current electric vehicles.
Electric abra
In May 2023, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the start of trial operations for the ‘First Autonomous Electric Abra.’ According to HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the goal is to convert 25% of all mobility journeys in Dubai to self-driving journeys by 2030. This electric abra will feature reduced noise, zero carbon emissions, and the ability to operate fully autonomously, independent of a captain. It can detect obstacles in its path and take action to avoid collisions, as well as notify the control center if it deviates from its operating plan.
Sharjah
Sky Pods
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Sharjah’s high-speed electric sky pods will transport both passengers and cargo between the emirates at speeds of up to 100 km/h. These sky pods are a suspended transport system composed of individual unicars linked by a long cable that hangs above the ground.
Testing is still underway at The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Once the tests are successfully completed, Sharjah will announce the construction of routes within the city, with plans to extend the pod network to connect with other emirates.
Hyperloop
The drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi can take up to two hours, but with the introduction of the Hyperloop, passengers will be able to make the trip in just 12 minutes!
The Hyperloop train can achieve speeds of up to 1,000 km/h, making it three times faster than high-speed rail and over ten times quicker than traditional trains. An animated video released by Virgin Hyperloop in January 2022 illustrates the experience of riding this super-fast mode of transport.
There hasn’t been much recent news about this project, leaving some uncertainty about its status. However, plans to develop a passenger line in Italy by 2029 might rekindle interest in the initiative.
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