News

Dubai Crown Prince Takes Test Ride In Self-Driving Taxi

The Chevrolet Bolt-based Cruise AVs are helping to cement Dubai’s position as a global leader of self-driving transport.

Published

1 year ago

December 15, 2023

Nour Nasir

dubai crown prince takes test ride in self-driving taxi

Dubai Media Office

Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recently took the first demo test ride of a Chevrolet Bolt-based Cruise autonomous vehicle (AV) in Jumeirah.

The Dubai Crown Prince was welcomed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police and a team of engineers from the RTA and Cruise. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA said, “Autonomous vehicles will play a pivotal role in offering innovative solutions for transportation challenges, curbing urban congestion, and elevating road safety. They support the RTA’s efforts to leverage the integration between mass transport systems and easing the mobility of public transport riders, providing services to many underserved users such as senior residents and People of Determination”.

cruise self-driving taxi dubai test ride

In April 2021, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Cruise entered a partnership to introduce a self-driving ride-hail service. The testing of Cruise AVs marks a crucial step toward enhancing Dubai’s position as a global leader in self-driving transport. The emirate aims to convert 25% of all mobility journeys to self-driving modes by 2030.

Also Read: Dubai Survey Drones Explore Minerals In Central Asia

In April this year, digital mapping for self-driving Cruise vehicles took place in Jumeirah 1 using the company’s HD mapping technology. Cruise initiated limited vehicle testing in October, deploying five autonomous taxis overseen by safety drivers. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority plans to soon introduce a public registration process, enabling selected residents to use the Cruise ride-hailing app.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

16 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.