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Dubai’s Self-Driving, Electric Abra Blends Tech With Tradition

The Emirate is upgrading its waterway transportation fleet by introducing Sea Breeze, a smart, sustainable water taxi.

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2 years ago

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dubai's self-driving electric abra blends tech with tradition
Dubai Media Office

Yesterday, a self-driving traditional wooden abra boat named “Sea Breeze” embarked on its first on-the-water trial on Dubai Creek between the Al Jadaf and Festival City stations.

The initiative, led by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), aims to enhance efficiency for residents and tourists while lowering emissions.

dubai electric abra render

“Dubai’s commitment to pioneering advancements in transportation is evident in the launch of the city’s first self-driving electric abra,” noted His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA. “This groundbreaking development aligns with our vision to transform Dubai into a smart city and offers an eco-friendly solution that ensures the sustainability of our transportation infrastructure”.

Featuring state-of-the-art automated navigation systems, the Sea Breeze can effortlessly glide along Dubai’s waterways while retaining the iconic shape of the traditional abra. The self-driving abra has plenty of benefits, including an increased passenger capacity of up to 8 people, reduced operational costs, and environmental impact due to its electric propulsion system.

dubai electric abra technology specs

As for the craft’s AI smarts, the self-driving abra can detect oncoming obstacles, notify the control center of system malfunctions and deviate from preset routes if obstacles are detected, or an emergency is announced.

Also Read: Dubai Launches The World’s Largest Ocean Restoration Project

“The launch of the self-driving electric abra marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s journey towards a sustainable and technologically advanced transportation system,” explained His Excellency Sultan Al Haddad, who is the CEO of the Marine Transport Sector at RTA. “By integrating advanced autonomous technology with an eco-friendly electric propulsion system, we are revolutionizing the way people move across Dubai’s vibrant waterfront areas”.

Dubai revealed a next-generation fleet of high-powered wooden abras back in 2020 as part of a plan to overhaul the emirate’s marine transport sector. The traditional boats were overhauled to cater to improved safety standards and to allow better access for people with disabilities. Changes included designated wheelchair spaces, life jackets stowed under seats and GPS technology, and upgraded digital payment systems.

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UAE Prepares To Launch Two Satellites: Thuraya-2 And MBZ-SAT

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council yesterday.

Published

5 days ago

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December 17, 2024

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uae prepares to launch two satellites thuraya-2 and mbz-sat

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council in Dubai on December 16, 2024. The session highlighted the UAE’s ambitious space plans and took stock of the sector’s economic progress.

The council emphasized the growing role of private companies in advancing space technologies, noting that their contributions are now equal to that of the public sector. Members also praised initiatives like the Space Economic Zones Programme, which are designed to fuel innovation and investment in the space industry.

Discussing the UAE’s space journey, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remarked, “The national space sector continues to grow and advance, and we take immense pride in the remarkable achievements we have accomplished over the years”.

Sheikh Hamdan also received updates on two upcoming satellite projects: Thuraya-2 and MBZ-SAT. Thuraya-2, developed by Space42, is slated for launch this December. Meanwhile, the MBZ-SAT, created by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), will soon follow. MBRSC, a major driver of the UAE National Space Programme, continues to lead the nation’s space-related developments.

Space42 took the opportunity to showcase its advancements, including ongoing collaborations between public and private entities. The company also outlined strategies to promote innovation, boost revenue streams, and create new opportunities for growth in the sector.

Also Read: IBM Opens New Doha Office To Support Qatar’s Digital Growth

The UAE’s current projects build on a growing legacy of space exploration. Back in 2020, the nation made headlines with its Mars mission, successfully sending a probe into the planet’s orbit in 2021. This mission, which is now in its second phase as of June 2024, has been collecting critical data to develop a comprehensive diurnal image of Mars.

The UAE also ventured into lunar exploration with an unmanned mission aimed at studying untouched regions of the Moon’s surface. While the probe ultimately crashed during its landing attempt after communication was lost seconds before touchdown, the effort represented a significant step in the country’s exploration ambitions.

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