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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.
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’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.
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.
News
Microsoft Invests $1.5 Billion In Abu Dhabi AI Tech Firm G42
The collaboration will promote and share the latest AI tech and skills initiatives worldwide and introduce an investment fund for developers.
Abu Dhabi AI and tech firm G42 have announced a partnership with Microsoft that will include a $1.5 billion investment. The huge cash injection will help the collaborating companies bring the latest Microsoft AI tech and skills initiatives to the UAE, as well as the wider Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
Over time, G42 and Microsoft aim to empower nations and improve equity by allowing access to services that address vital government and business concerns while promoting the highest privacy and security standards.
H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of G42, explained: “Microsoft’s investment in G42 marks a pivotal moment in our company’s journey of growth and innovation, signifying a strategic alignment of vision and execution between the two organizations. This partnership is a testament to the shared values and aspirations for progress, fostering greater cooperation and synergy globally”.
The partnership will support the creation of a skilled AI workforce and develop a talent pool to drive innovation and boost competitiveness in the UAE and beyond with a $1 billion investment fund for developers.
As part of the newly expanded partnership, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, will join G42’s board of directors. In a recent statement, Smith said: “Our two companies will work together not only in the UAE, but to bring AI and digital infrastructure and services to underserved nations [combining] world-class technology with world-leading standards for safe, trusted, and responsible AI, in close coordination with the governments of both the UAE and the United States”.
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As part of their regional plans, Microsoft and G42 have firmly committed to complying with US and international trade laws. They will also adhere to responsible AI and business integrity regulations governed by a detailed Intergovernmental Assurance Agreement (IGAA).
Peng Xiao, G42’s Group Chief Executive Officer, stated, “This partnership significantly enhances our international market presence, combining G42’s unique AI capabilities with Microsoft’s robust global infrastructure. Together, we are not only expanding our operational horizons but also setting new industry standards for innovation”.
The G42 and Microsoft collaboration has passed several significant milestones over the past twelve months. A joint plan to develop AI solutions for industry and the public sector and industry was unveiled in April 2023, and last September, Microsoft and G42 laid out plans to unlock the potential of the Azure public cloud platform. Finally, in November 2023, Microsoft added G42’s Jais Arabic Large Language Model to its Azure AI Cloud Model.
Microsoft Invests $1.5 Billion In Abu Dhabi AI Tech Firm G42
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