Latest news with #smartMobility
The National
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The National
Dubai debuts first aerial taxi test in the region
In a groundbreaking move toward smart mobility, Dubai successfully tests the all-electric Joby Aerial Taxi, with full operations set to launch in 2026.
Tahawul Tech
7 days ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Drone deliveries to see trial use in Abu Dhabi
The UAE took its first steps into autonomous aerial logistics, as several groups pool resources to trial drone deliveries and advance ambitions around smart mobility services. Aviation technology provider Lodd Autonomous and public postal company 7X stated the drone delivery pilot held in capital city Abu Dhabi is a significant advance for the nation's logistics sector. 'Autonomous drones introduce a transformative layer to urban delivery networks', Lodd Autonomous CEO Rashid Al Manai explained. The trial opens the potential for a single operator to 'manage multiple deliveries simultaneously', Al Manai said, highlighting the 'new level of scalability and responsiveness' the step would bring to the logistics sector. Lodd Autonomous and 7X worked with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office on the trial, advancing targets of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council involving integrated mobility set-ups. The trial also required collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority and Integrated Transport Centre. Humaid Saber Al Hameli, director of the centre's aviation transport division, explained airspace security and safety are priorities, with work ongoing to ensure regulations keep pace with developments in the unmanned aerial systems space. Lodd Autonomous and 7X pledged to maintain collaborations with regulators and industry players as drone delivery projects advance. Ultimately, Abu Dhabi aims to rely more heavily on drone-based deliveries in its wider logistics set-ups: it committed to keep progressing regulations and focus on infrastructure developments as it seeks to lead regional development of autonomous air mobility systems. Source: Mobile World Live Image Credit: Stock Image
Khaleej Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi conducts first drone parcel delivery in trial project
A drone has successfully delivered a parcel in Abu Dhabi for the first time using a winch-based system — as part of a pilot project to accelerate smart and autonomous logistics across the emirate. The landmark trial in Khalifa City integrates unmanned aerial systems into Abu Dhabi's transport ecosystem. The drone delivered a simulated package from a local post office to a drop zone demonstrating the feasibility of urban autonomous aerial delivery. The operation was backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and conducted by aviation technology firm LODD and logistics holding group 7X. 'Ensuring the safety and security of our airspace remains a top priority,' said Humaid Saber Al Hameli, Director of the Aviation Transport Division at the Integrated Transport Centre. 'This pilot trial reflects the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and represents a concrete step toward the future of smart aerial mobility in the emirate.' The initiative is part of the emirate's broader strategy to enable smart mobility under the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), with support from ADIO's Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster. Regulatory oversight for the test was provided by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre. Omran Malek, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, said the pilot demonstrated the type of forward-thinking strategies that add long-term economic and infrastructure value to Abu Dhabi. 'ADIO is proud to champion the development and rollout of cutting-edge logistics technologies that strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global innovation hub,' he said. The pilot reflects growing efforts to localise advanced technology development and reinforce Abu Dhabi's role as a leader in future infrastructure. LODD and 7X say they will continue to work with regulators to fine-tune operational procedures and prepare for wider rollout of drone-based logistics services. 'Autonomous drones introduce a transformative layer to urban delivery networks,' said Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD. 'With one operator able to manage multiple deliveries simultaneously, the system brings a new level of scalability and responsiveness to the logistics chain.' Similarly, Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, which oversees delivery provider EMX, said the milestone supports the UAE's smart mobility goals. 'By integrating autonomous aerial technology into EMX's national logistics ecosystem, we are enhancing operational reach and speed, and building a more adaptive, future-ready network.' The test flight is the first phase in a broader plan to deploy drone delivery across Abu Dhabi, aligning with regulatory efforts and infrastructure readiness to position the emirate as a regional hub for autonomous air mobility.
The National
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Dubai to have self-driving Uber taxis this year
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority on Sunday announced an agreement with Uber and WeRide to establish the launch of self-driving vehicles in the emirate. Pilot operations will begin through the Uber app by the end of 2025 with safety drivers on board during the initial phase. The full-scale commercial roll-out will then begin in 2026, Dubai Media Office reported. 'The introduction of autonomous vehicles in Dubai represents a significant leap towards a smart and sustainable future for mobility, in line with the vision of our leadership to transform Dubai into the world's smartest city,' Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the RTA, said. 'It also supports the objectives of Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which seeks to convert 25 per cent of all mobility journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips across various transport modes by 2030.' The deal with Uber is not the first of its kind in the emirate. In April, the RTA joined forces with China's Baidu to bring 1,000 of the company's autonomous vehicles to Dubai by 2028. Trials of 50 cars – operated under Baidu's ride-hailing service Apollo Go – will take place in the coming months for data collection and testing. Looking to the future The UAE aims to become a leader in smart mobility systems to boost sustainability and adopt the latest technologies. Dubai began supervised testing of driverless vehicles on its public roads in October 2023 after the US self-driving tech company Cruise, which is backed by General Motors and Honda Motor, was issued with a trial permit. In Abu Dhabi, Uber and China's WeRide launched the Middle East's first commercial driverless mobility service in December. The UAE capital already has its own fleet of driverless taxis on Yas Island run by TXAI, the UAE's first driverless taxi service. In addition, electric air taxis are expected to begin operating in Dubai during the first quarter of 2026, the RTA confirmed in September.
Arab News
31-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Makkah royal commission leads Saudi Arabia's push to streamline Hajj operations
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia is rolling out a high-tech, data-driven operational system to improve the pilgrim experience during Hajj, led by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. The initiatives emphasizes real-time coordination, smart mobility solutions and infrastructure enhancements to manage the flow of millions with greater speed, safety and efficiency, deploying cutting-edge technology and infrastructure improvements and operating on continuous assessment and gradual improvement, according to officials. At the core of the plan is a shift from reactive approaches to proactive operations. Through continuous assessment and integrated digital tools, the commission empowers authorities and streamlines pilgrim services across holy sites to achieve rapid response and strengthen functional integration. At the core of the plan is a shift from reactive approaches to proactive operations. (SPA) Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rashid, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said: 'Our preparations aim to create an operational environment that empowers relevant authorities and facilitates the pilgrims' journey.' Key elements include field operation rooms, backup buses and human-flow data analysis tools to guide resources and organize crowd movement, as well as electric scooter services and Makkah taxi services within carefully planned zones. The Transport General Authority has implemented an advanced operational plan for the transport system during the Hajj season, facilitating the movement of more than 2.1 million pilgrims over a few days. Efforts for health and safety infrastructure include a 200-bed field hospital in Mina. (SPA) The plan includes several transport systems: Single-trip buses serving 427,433 with 9,094 buses; two-trip services for 209,656 pilgrims using 2,230 buses; a shuttle for 702,251 pilgrims using 4,980 buses; and the Mashaer Metro line serving 423,000 pilgrims. To support this, the commission is overseeing key roadwork projects, including 1.7 km of the Second Ring Road with 208 meters of bridges and 3.35 km of service roads, as well as two phases of the Third Ring Road totaling more than 8 km, to reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Makkah and the Holy Sites. The commission also oversees the Kingdom's Project for the Utilization of Sacrificial Animals, also known as Adahi. Saudi Arabia has launched a high-tech data driven system for Hajj this year with upgraded facilities and streamlined efforts. (SPA) Recent efforts include equipping seven operational complexes over 1 million sq. m, processing more than 1.1 million animals, and expanding distribution to more than 30 countries via platforms such as Ehsan and Saudi Post. AI-powered systems track implementation and enhance efficiency. The Business Intelligence Center and Makkah Urban Observatory support real-time decision-making and monitor demographic and spatial improvements. Efforts for health and safety infrastructure include a 200-bed field hospital in Mina; 71 rapid intervention points; 15 mobile ambulance units; and 170,000 sq. m of shaded pedestrian pathways in Muzdalifah lined with 10,000 trees; 64 two-story restroom complexes, and 400 modern water coolers. In central Makkah, more than 235,000 sq. m of sidewalks and 30,000 sq. m of shade have been added, along with prayer courtyards for 60,000 extra worshippers, all to improve mobility and spiritual access around the Grand Mosque. Additional upgrades include multi-story tent systems, improved Miqat mosques, and expanded facilities at Al-Taneem and Al-Ji'ranah, enhancing the beginning stages of the pilgrimage. The commission's unified vision brings together more than 10 government agencies to support pilgrims logistically and elevate their overall experience through smart, coordinated planning.
