Dubai World Congress For Self-Driving Transport 2023: Key Highlights And Innovations Unveiled

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the fourth Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event, organised by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), attracted over 3,000 participants globally. More than 80 speakers, including senior officials and experts in self-driving technologies, contributed to discussions on autonomous mobility advancements.

Upon arrival, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed was welcomed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA. He was briefed on the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Zone model, covering 15 square kilometres across three operational zones: Al Jaddaf Metro Station, Dubai Festival City, and Dubai Creek Harbour. This zone integrates various autonomous transport modes like the Dubai Metro and autonomous buses.

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The Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy aims to increase autonomous transport trips from 20.4% now to 25% by 2030 and 36% by 2040. The strategy supports the broader goal of transforming 25% of all journeys in Dubai into smart, driverless trips by 2030. This initiative is part of efforts to enhance urban mobility through innovative technology.

During the opening ceremony, a film showcased the Congress's significance as the first event of its kind in the Middle East. Sol Rashidi delivered a keynote address highlighting lessons from artificial intelligence applications across sectors. She discussed AI's role in improving services and quality of life through practical deployment frameworks.

Rashidi emphasised balancing innovation with ethical technology use for sustainable benefits and public trust. She noted that the Congress offered insights into AI's future challenges and opportunities for governments and private sectors. Discussions included strengthening digital infrastructure and updating legislation to support technological advancements.

A film on the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport was also presented during the ceremony. The Challenge offers US$3 million in prizes, with US$1.2 million for first and second place winners and US$1.8 million supporting operations in the Self-Driving Transport Zone.

Recognition of Excellence in Autonomous Mobility

The Challenge's fourth cycle saw participation requests exceed targets by 170%. Five local and international consortia qualified for the final stage. Field tests were conducted in four Chinese cities: Guangzhou, Xi’an, Guiyang, and Suzhou, categorised into stationary tests, mixed road traffic tests for land vehicles, marine vehicle tests, and controlled environment trials.

Mattar Al Tayer honoured winners of the Challenge. WeRide and Deutsche Bahn won first place with a project integrating self-driving taxis with buses, receiving US$900,000. Zealous Technology from Singapore secured second place with a solution for transporting heavy goods between warehouses using autonomous logistics vehicles.

A Global Platform for Autonomous Mobility

The Congress serves as a global platform bringing together experts to discuss connected vehicles' future. It highlights Dubai Government’s leadership in self-driving transport while attracting global expertise to enhance community awareness about emerging mobility technologies.

This event underscores potential impacts on investment opportunities and diverse mobility strategies within Dubai’s evolving transport landscape.

With inputs from WAM