News

Dubai Plans To Deploy Driverless Pods And Green Rail Buses

The high-tech transport systems will facilitate eco-friendly, sustainable travel and reduce carbon emissions by as much as 50%.

Published

4 months ago

January 19, 2024

Nour Nasir

dubai plans to deploy driverless pods and green rail buses

Floww / Urban.MASS

Dubai is expanding its range of sustainable transportation options with the addition of autonomous pods and a solar-powered rail bus system. The forward-thinking move will complement the city’s already ambitious projects, such as flying cars and robotaxis.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with UK and US-based private companies to bring innovative transportation solutions to Dubai.

urban mass rta dubai partnership 1

The initial MoU was established with Urban.MASS, a UK-based firm, to explore the feasibility of deploying these new transportation systems. According to Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, CEO of RTA, the solar-powered rail buses will run on double tracks, facilitating swift and efficient movement throughout the city. During the initial pilot phase, authorities hope to reduce carbon emissions by an impressive 50%.

urban mass rta dubai partnership 2

The RTA has also partnered with Rail Bus, a US company, to introduce a sustainable transport system where vehicles travel on a bridge equipped with solar panels. RTA CEO Kalbat explained that the system will feature a contemporary design and be more cost-effective than similar transportation alternatives.

Also Read: Dubai Robot Maker To Triple Workforce And Build New Plant

Dubai’s vision for the future of transportation aligns with the city’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness and strengthens the Emitate’s reputation as a pioneer in modern urban mobility.

News

NASA Forms New Partnership With Saudi Space Agency

The pair will collaborate on the Center for Space Futures, advancing space tech by bringing together public and private stakeholders.

Published

2 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Nour Nasir

Saudi Space Agency

Saudi Arabia’s space industry is on the brink of substantial expansion after generating $400 million in revenue in 2022, according to a report by the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission.

Now, in a new venture with NASA, plans for a “Center for Space Futures” are set to further drive the Kingdom’s aspirations of becoming a leading player in space exploration and technology.

Capturing moments from the joint delegation visit with leaders from the Saudi and American Space Agencies @NASA to @PSU_RUH, along with scenes showcasing the audience's engagement. pic.twitter.com/oB1cFTiRNl

— وكالة الفضاء السعودية (@saudispace) May 14, 2024

The partnership between NASA and Saudi Arabia goes beyond economic advantages. The pair have already cooperated on preliminary work for the Artemis II lunar mission, which is slated for a September 2025 launch and aims to land astronauts near the moon’s South Pole.

Also Read: Plans Underway For Massive Middle East Autonomous Freight Network

During a visit to the capital, Riyadh, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized in a TV interview the broader objectives of the collaboration, which encompass “returning to the moon and then [to] Mars” while utilizing space exploration to glean important insights into climate change. The NASA spokesman also reiterated the space agency’s dedication to collaborating with Saudi Arabia on other future ventures.