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Arabian Business
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Qatar launches self-driving robot taxi trials ahead of 2026 launch
Qatar has officially launched operational trials of self-driving robot taxis. The Level 4 autonomous electric taxis are a landmark initiative led by Mowasalat (Karwa) in coordination with the Ministry of Transport. The trials are currently underway in selected touristic and service areas and are a key part of Qatar's Autonomous Vehicles Strategy and broader vision for smart, sustainable mobility. Qatar self-driving taxis The pilot follows the success of previous autonomous electric bus trials and reflects the country's commitment to integrating AI-driven, zero-emission transport solutions into the national network. The trial will unfold in two distinct phases: Phase 1: Driverless trial runs without passengers, monitored by a specialised team to assess technical readiness. Phase 2: Full-scale public testing with passengers but no driver, running through the first quarter of 2026. Each autonomous taxi is equipped with six cameras, four radars, and four LiDAR units, enabling advanced detection, real-time decision-making, and safe navigation in complex urban settings. In addition to evaluating the technology, the pilot will support the development of regulatory frameworks and the necessary infrastructure to accommodate next-generation mobility solutions in Qatar.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
China Port Volumes Hit Record Highs on US Tariff Truce
Just two months after China's ports saw a severe slowdown in activity as U.S. importers took a wait-and-see approach to President Donald Trump's tariffs, business is booming again. Seaports across China had their busiest week on record from June 16-22, with roughly 6.7 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) shipped domestically and internationally out of ports including Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Xiamen among many others. More from Sourcing Journal FedEx Faces $170M in Tariff Headwinds as US Cracks Down on De Minimis WTO to Intervene in Trade Disputes Between Canada and China US-Iran Clash Sparks Strait of Hormuz Blockade Threat Fears That marks a 5.9 percent increase from the week prior, with total cargo tonnage increasing 5.6 percent to 263.8 million tons, according to data from China's Ministry of Transport. The strong numbers follow this month's trade truce between China and the U.S. that brought combined tariff levels down to 55 percent on Chinese goods. Prior to the deal which is still yet to be formally approved by either Trump or Chinese President Xi Jinping, China's exports to the U.S. had a rough two months. In April, when the tariffs were first announced and escalated as high as 145 percent, shipments of Chinese goods to the U.S. dropped 21 percent annually to $33 billion. The next month saw a more pronounced plunge of 34.5 percent to $28.8 billion—China's largest export decline in five years. The U.S. is likely not the only driver of the overall jump, as Chinese exporters have also been shipping goods in droves to Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, all of whom have their own tariff negotiation deadlines to adhere to with the U.S. by July 9. The record movement of containers moved appears to bode well for dockworkers at the West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which were impacted by fewer job opportunities when Chinese exports to the U.S. sank. A CNBC report on Tuesday said that another wave of ocean freight is on its way to the San Pedro Bay ports that would mark the highest number of container ships since January, according to the Marine Exchange of Southern California. On Friday, 64 vessels are expected to arrive at the twin ports, while another 68 should flow in Saturday. Sunday's incoming vessel total is expected to be 64. And while blank sailings on the trans-Pacific trade lane were common through the tariff turbulence, they're expected to decrease in the coming weeks. Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero told CNBC he expects 18 blank sailings at his port in June, but that this number is slated to fall dramatically to four across July and August combined. Although the current projections indicate a return of more stable traffic to California ports, there remains no guarantee that the excess cargo out of China will continue to stay elevated throughout the summer, even as the traditional peak shipping season approaches. Across all U.S. ports, the Global Port Tracker had forecast inbound cargo volumes to remain below last year's numbers for the summer, but that came out ahead of June's trade truce resumption. 'The initial demand surge post the May 12 China-U.S. de-escalation and ahead of the Aug. 12 deadline for the reduced U.S. tariffs on China may be behind us,' said Judah Levine, head of research at Freightos. 'At the same time, carriers, expecting a stronger and more prolonged trans-Pacific container volume spike, have increased capacity on the lane by 13 percent compared to March and early April.' Freight rates from China to the U.S. already appear to have hit their seasonal peak earlier this month amid the reports of container capacity outpacing new demand. A Monday analysis from container shipping research firm Linerlytica indicated that the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) rolled back all gains it made in the past three weeks as trans-Pacific rates collapsed due to the excess capacity. As of Friday, the Shanghai-to-U.S. West Coast rate plummeted 33 percent on a weekly basis to $2,772 per 40-foot container, just after a 27 percent drop the week prior. 'Freight rates to the U.S. West Coast have recorded their largest weekly losses in the last two weeks as their failure to retain any of their June 1 rate hikes have also put the peak season surcharge for contract customers at risk,' said the Linerlytica update. 'The early end to the trans-Pacific peak season have not yet dragged down rates on the secondary routes that remain supported by buoyant cargo volumes, while charter rates also remain firm with very limited open tonnage.'
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
New section of Sultan Turki bin Said dual carriageway opened in South A'Sharqiyah
Al-Kamil W'al-Wafi - Acting in cooperaton with the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology today opened traffic along a new section of Sultan Turki bin Said dual carriageway (Phase II - Part II). This 9-km section extends from the Wilayat of Al-Kamil W'al-Wafi to the Wilayat of Sur. Muneer Ahmed Al Alawi, Director of the Roads Department in South A'Sharqiyah Governorate, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the new section of the road consists of three lanes in each direction. Al Alawi explained that, to enhance the safety of road users, the road has been equipped with all traffic safety measures, including iron barriers, traffic signs, roadside support structures and tunnel crossings.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
New section of Sultan Turki bin Said dual carriageway opened in South Al Sharqiyah
Al-Kamil W'al-Wafi: Acting in cooperaton with the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology on Thursday opened traffic along a new section of Sultan Turki bin Said dual carriageway (Phase II - Part II). This 9-km section extends from the Wilayat of Al-Kamil W'al-Wafi to the Wilayat of Sur. Muneer Ahmed Al Alawi, Director of the Roads Department in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the new section of the road consists of three lanes in each direction. Al Alawi explained that, to enhance the safety of road users, the road has been equipped with all traffic safety measures, including iron barriers, traffic signs, roadside support structures and tunnel crossings.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Major road upgrades underway in Dhofar for khareef 2025
Salalah – In preparation for khareef 2025, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is accelerating implementation of strategic road development projects across Dhofar to support tourism, economic growth and public mobility. The ministry confirmed that major upgrades and maintenance works are in progress throughout the governorate, aimed at enhancing road connectivity and traffic flow. Among the flagship projects is the Attin Tunnel in Salalah, which has reached 93% completion – well ahead of schedule. The tunnel is expected to significantly ease congestion during peak tourist months. Work is also advancing on dualisation of key roads in Salalah. Sultan Taimur Street (6.8km) is 40% complete, while 45% of work on Al Farouq Street (7.6km) has been finalised. In Mughsail, 20% of work has been completed on a new road project that includes a 12m-high bridge, pedestrian paths, lighting and an underpass connecting tourist sites. The 33km Raysut-Mughsail Road is also being dualised, with six interchanges and a 5.5km extension to 18th November Road. The Al Shuwaimiya Ascent Improvement Project in Shalim and Hallaniyat Islands has been awarded. The 2.5km stretch includes new drainage systems, safety barriers and road signage. According to Said bin Mohammed Tabuk, Director General of Road and Land Transport in Dhofar, the third, fourth and fifth phases of Sultan Said bin Taimur Road dualisation – spanning 400km – has commenced. The total investment in the project exceeds RO258mn. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
