News

WeRide Granted First Self-Driving Vehicle License In UAE

The Chinese autonomous driving company may soon deploy robotaxis and robobusses across the Emirates and beyond.

Published

1 year ago

July 10, 2023

Nour Nasir

WeRide

Chinese autonomous driving startup WeRide was the first company in the world to hold driverless permits for testing in both China and the USA. Now, the autonomous technologies experts have secured a license to deploy self-driving vehicles in the UAE, having already completed public testing on some routes within the Emirate.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the news on Twitter: “We approved the first national license for self-driving vehicles on the country’s roads, which was granted to a specialized WeRide company”.

Dubai aims to make 25% of its transportation completely autonomous by 2030, so the permit comes at an ideal time. Last month, as part of the Eid al-Adha holiday services, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of Abu Dhabi announced that visitors to Saadiyat and Yas Islands could experience free autonomous driving car rides, including a vehicle called “TXAI”, which was launched by WeRide in partnership with a local company Bayanat.

Also Read: UAE’s du Teams With Huawei For Net-Zero Telecom Services

WeRide has developed its state-of-the-art technologies through WeRide One, which the company describes as a “one-for-all and all-for-one platform for urban autonomous driving applications. Designed with high flexibility on both the software and hardware levels”. The platform uses self-evolving deep learning systems to prioritize safety, plus AI algorithms and a fusion of camera, LiDAR, and radar to replace human operators.

In a recent press release WeRide said, “In the future, WeRide will continue to deepen its presence in the Middle East region and bring high-quality autonomous driving technology, products, and services to more customers and consumers”.

Related Topics:Automotive United Arab Emirates WeRide

Up Next

Dubai’s Sheikh Hamdan Launches New Digital Cloud Project

Don't Miss

Revibe Has Raised $2.3 Million For Planned MENA Expansion

Click to comment

News

1,000 Drones Light The Dubai Sky For AC Milan Celebration

Cyberdrone’s groundbreaking display marked 125 years of AC Milan football club and the 1st-year anniversary of Casa Milan Dubai.

Published

11 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Nour Nasir

Cyberdrone, a leading UAV display company based in Dubai, put on a breathtaking drone light show on Monday to honor two significant football milestones: AC Milan’s 125th anniversary and the one-year anniversary of Casa Milan Dubai.

The spectacle involved 1,000 drones working in perfect harmony to project AC Milan’s iconic imagery against the city’s night sky. Highlights included the UAVs synchronizing to form the club’s iconic crest, the signature red and black jersey, and a special emblem marking its 125th year. The intricate performance demanded meticulous planning, not just in terms of choreography, but also in dealing with the necessary permits and logistics.

cyberdrone ac milan dubai

“Our goal was to spotlight AC Milan’s legacy through a stunning visual narrative,” explained Mohamed Munjed Abdulla, Director of Sales at Cyberdrone. “We celebrated the club’s history, its Dubai milestone, and the universal love for football. The show also enhanced AC Milan’s regional presence, growing its fanbase through a cutting-edge, memorable experience. Drone shows are unparalleled in leaving lasting impressions, making them perfect for driving partnerships and growth”.

Also Read: Joby Begins Construction Of Dubai’s First Vertiport For Air Taxis

Greta Nardeschi, AC Milan’s Regional Director for MENA, echoed the sentiment, adding: “Collaborating with Cyberdrone for this 1,000-drone performance allowed us to connect with our fans in innovative ways. It gave us a unique opportunity to surprise and inspire audiences while elevating our Club’s visibility and that of our partners. Cyberdrone truly helped us take AC Milan to new heights”.

This groundbreaking drone display sets a new benchmark for the Middle East’s sports sector, which already contributes around $2.4 billion annually to Dubai’s GDP alone. Sporting events also generate $1.76 billion in revenues across the region, while the MENA’s entertainment sector, valued at $41.13 billion, is growing at 9.41% annually, driven by rapid technological advancements.