News

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.

Published

2 years ago

May 15, 2023

Nour Nasir

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.

News

HUMAIN & NVIDIA Partner To Build Saudi AI Factories Of The Future

In a push to position the Kingdom as a global AI hub, the partnership will co-develop next-gen AI infrastructure, digital twins, and workforce training.

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2025

Nour Nasir

humain and nvidia partner to build saudi ai factories of the future

HUMAIN, the AI-focused subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA to build the infrastructure powering Saudi Arabia’s next industrial revolution: AI factories capable of driving massive-scale innovation and digital transformation.

The partnership reflects HUMAIN’s plans to turn the Kingdom into a global AI powerhouse by building new infrastructure, real-world applications, and investing in talent. Through the alliance, HUMAIN and NVIDIA will construct hyperscale AI data centers, digital twins, and launch national upskilling programs.

At the heart of the partnership is HUMAIN’s plan to deploy AI factories with a capacity of up to 500 megawatts, fueled by hundreds of thousands of NVIDIA GPUs over the next five years. Phase one includes the installation of 18,000 NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell superchips and InfiniBand networking, creating one of the world’s most powerful AI supercomputing environments.

These centers will provide the scale and security needed to support innovation across Saudi Arabia’s industries — from energy and logistics to healthcare and finance.

“AI, like electricity and the internet, is essential infrastructure for every nation,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Together with HUMAIN, we are building AI infrastructure for the people and companies of Saudi Arabia to realize the bold vision of the Kingdom”.

HUMAIN will also leverage NVIDIA Omniverse to drive the next phase of industrial transformation — physical AI. By simulating and optimizing complex environments in digital twin form, sectors like manufacturing, utilities, and logistics can operate more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

Also Read: Meet The AltoVolo Sigma: A 1,608HP Personal eVTOL Jet

“Our partnership with NVIDIA is a bold step forward in realizing the Kingdom’s ambitions to lead in AI and advanced digital infrastructure,” said Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN. “Together, we are building the capacity, capability, and a new globally enabled community to shape a future powered by intelligent technology and empowered people”.

In tandem with infrastructure development, HUMAIN and NVIDIA will also launch large-scale AI education and training initiatives, designed to upskill thousands of Saudi professionals in advanced AI, robotics, and digital twin technologies.

These efforts will contribute to building a self-sustaining AI ecosystem and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions for economic diversification and digital leadership.