Saud Bin Saqr Launches Autonomous Bus Trial To Enhance Smart Mobility In Ras Al Khaimah

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, recently attended the launch of the RoboBus trial phase on Al Marjan Island. This autonomous bus project is a collaboration between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and WeRide, a Chinese company known for its expertise in autonomous driving technologies. Zhang Yiming, China's Ambassador to the UAE, was also present at the event.

The initiative signifies Ras Al Khaimah's commitment to developing a smart and sustainable mobility system. It aligns with the UAE's vision of embracing innovation and advanced technologies to improve quality of life. Sheikh Saud highlighted that this trial is a crucial step in future planning, aiming for prosperity by fostering strategic partnerships and adopting innovative transport solutions focused on people and sustainability.

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Sheikh Saud emphasised that this project is part of a broader vision to create an integrated smart mobility ecosystem in Ras Al Khaimah. The goal is to transform transportation into a comprehensive experience that supports the national economy while providing environmentally friendly solutions. This initiative strengthens Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a regional hub for innovation in smart mobility.

The emirate is confidently advancing towards future trends in autonomous transport and artificial intelligence. Sheikh Saud believes investing in these technologies can bring transformative changes across various life aspects. He stressed that true innovation should directly impact people's lives through safer, more sustainable transport systems and knowledge-based economic opportunities.

During the event, two strategic agreements were signed to enhance cooperation in developing future transport solutions. The first agreement was between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and WeRide, signed by Esmaeel Hassan Alblooshi and Jennifer Li. The second agreement involved Marjan, represented by Abdulla Al Abdouli, focusing on freehold projects development.

The signing of these agreements builds on Sheikh Saud’s successful visit to WeRide’s headquarters in Guangzhou last November. During that visit, Ras Al Khaimah signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Guangdong Province, further strengthening ties between the regions.

Future Vision

Sheikh Saud noted that Ras Al Khaimah actively contributes to the UAE’s ambitious national vision prioritising investment in future technologies, sustainability, and innovation. He confirmed that this trial marks just the beginning of a journey towards building fully smart cities and more advanced communities.

The launch of RoboBus on Al Marjan Island represents a significant milestone in developing a smart urban mobility system powered by artificial intelligence. This step reinforces Ras Al Khaimah's status as a regional leader in smart transport and future-oriented tourism initiatives.

Sheikh Saud reiterated that innovation should be measured by its direct impact on people’s lives through efficient cities and sustainable transport systems. The project aligns with the UAE’s national direction of building a sustainable digital economy based on knowledge and technology.

With inputs from WAM