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

3 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

Dubai Gives Go Ahead For $35 Billion Al Maktoum Airport Expansion

The project will include a new passenger terminal, helping the emirate achieve its goal of operating the world’s largest airport by 2050.

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2024

Nour Nasir

dubai gives go ahead for $35 billion al maktoum airport expansion

Dubai Media Office

On Sunday, April 28th, Dubai’s HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum gave the go-ahead to a major expansion project for Al Maktoum Airport (DWC).

The development will add a new passenger terminal to DWC, marking a major step in the emirate’s goal to transform the global transport hub into the world’s largest airport by 2050.

The construction project is valued at a massive $34.8 billion (AED128 billion), and is necessary to accommodate the projected surge in air travel over the coming years.

The DWC expansion plans were reportedly shelved in 2019. However, the project regained traction under the airport operating company Dubai Airports, who manage both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and DWC.

dubai al maktoum airport expansion

“HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed the strategic plan of the #Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and approved designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be the largest in the world when fully operational,” announced the Dubai government on X, noting that the new terminal will increase annual capacity to over 260 million passengers.

Under the comprehensive development plans, Al Maktoum Airport will surpass the scale of Dubai International Airport by fivefold. Eventually, all of Dubai International’s operations will be moved to the new site.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi Developer To Build World’s First Healthy Living Island

Dubai Airport CEO Paul Griffiths has emphasized the need for a new facility as DXB airport approaches its maximum annual capacity of 120 million passengers, explaining that the new development will transform airport operations.

“We are not planning an airport that has terminals. We’re going to completely change the business model for airports, make them far more intimate, and get rid of all the legacy processes that we’ve had to subject our customers to for far too long,” Griffiths stated.