Transportation is one of the most valued assets in Dubai, and the technologies developed in this regard place the city at the forefront of this type of service. This week, Dubai confirmed the incorporation of a new mode of transport that will radically change local commuting habits.
The authorities of the United Arab Emirates city confirmed that they will launch electric, autonomous, and rail-free trams in eight locations across the emirate. The initiative was presented by the emirate’s crown prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, who is also the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.
This is Dubai’s innovative transportation system
This new project was announced to mark the tenth anniversary of the Dubai Tram, proposing a renewed way of traveling with a trackless tram—a system of autonomous, electric, and eco-friendly transportation that will be deployed in eight locations across the emirate, as officially confirmed by Hamdan bin Mohammed.
The innovation in this system lies in its “virtual track” mechanism, featuring cameras that follow painted lines. This mode of transport will have three carriages with a capacity for 300 passengers, a maximum speed of 70 km/h, and an operational speed ranging between 25 and 60 km/h. A single charge allows the trams to travel up to 100 km.
Eco-friendly transport: the new trend in Dubai
This new decision by the authorities aligns with Dubai’s latest projections to drastically reduce the number of cars in the city and adopt a more eco-friendly approach. Along these lines, a tram-like electric bus was also launched and is already operating in Abu Dhabi. The fleet of autonomous rapid transit vehicles connects Reem Mall with Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi along a route with 14 stops.
The same applies to the promotion of autonomous cars, with a preliminary national license granted to the Chinese company WeRide. This follows the city’s ongoing effort to transform urban mobility, in line with the supreme plan of Dubai’s authorities, which aims for 25% of its transport to be fully autonomous by 2030.
A journey to the future: Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 50 minutes
In addition to this innovation, a new train was formally announced some time ago, allowing travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 57 minutes. This is an initiative by Etihad Rail, which continuously works on the development of fast, eco-friendly, and affordable transportation for the population. The company confirmed that the journey from the capital to Al Ruwais will take only 70 minutes, while the trip from Abu Dhabi to the eastern emirate of Fujairah will take 105 minutes.
The company stated that it will implement high-tech trains to connect 11 cities from Al Sila to Fujairah, including Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. These new additions will benefit all citizens and enhance the amenities for tourists who visit the region each year.
