The Future of UAE’s Sustainable Transportation: What to Expect
Over the past decade, the UAE has gained a strong reputation worldwide for pioneering many changes under visionary leadership. Today, the Emirates is best known as an economic and social powerhouse in the MENA region, while leading the way as a proud Global partner in climate-forward policy, promising a sustainable future for its citizens.
Since 2015, all sustainability initiatives in the UAE are in alignment with the Paris Agreement, with the government and affiliated organizations actively working towards a Net Zero emissions by 2050. The country has since focused on low-carbon investments that support economic diversification, growth, and job creation.
As part of these efforts, the Emirates is taking significant steps to scale public transportation infrastructure across the nation, to make it more sustainable. From hyperloops to flying taxis, the UAE is taking smart transportation to whole new levels. Here is what you need to know about UAE’s sustainable and futuristic urban mobility solutions-
The “Driving” Factor
It is interesting to note that at the core of these ambitious projects, we see the country’s commitment to a sustainable tomorrow. While the leaders and policymakers know that achieving the goal of net zero emissions is an arduous journey, the vision for a better future remains the number one driving factor for taking some very impressive steps.
The UAE government has thus taken far-reaching steps to achieve their goal of Net Zero emissions. Since identifying transportation as one of the fastest-growing sources of emissions worldwide, the government has launched several sustainable initiatives in the mobility industry. This includes the Abu Dhabi Transportation Mobility Management Strategy, Surface Transport Master Plan (Abu Dhabi), Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, and Dubai Green Mobility Initiative.
So how does the future look for sustainable transportation systems in the country? Let’s take a look.
- Dubai has taken active steps to achieve Smart Mobility, by connecting the city’s public transport such as metro, buses, and taxis, to make seamless travel possible. The city will also be home to autonomous vehicles soon in line with Dubai’s 2030 vision for self-driving technology. Setting this on course, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, announced the agreement between RTA(Road and Transport Authority) and Cruise, a leading US-based autonomous vehicle company (a subsidiary of car giant General Motors) for operating self-driving taxis and ride-hailing services in the emirate, back in 2021. These self-driving vehicles are all-electric and environment-friendly, making them a sustainable alternative to regular taxis. These taxis will also streamline public transportation, improve road safety levels, and increase accessibility to various community segments including seniors and people of determination.
- Another innovative project from Skyway Technologies in collaboration with RTA is the SkyWay Dubai, a starting rail transport system, where driverless pods suspended from elevated rail cables are used to carry cargo and passengers. This urban transit project envisions a 15km long elevated railway track system connecting 21 stations, including key destinations such as Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), with pods traveling at a maximum speed of 150km/hr. This project aligns with the government’s ongoing sustainable initiatives involving autonomous transportation and is expected to require less area and infrastructure, consuming nearly five times less power as compared to electric vehicles.
- To the average folks, flying taxis may seem like something out of a sci-fi movie. However, in Dubai, it will soon be a reality. In February 2023, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai confirmed that RTA has developed models of aerial taxi stations connecting four major destinations in the city, which are the Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. The project is developed in cooperation with German aerospace company Volocopter and enables the use of fully electric autonomous slow-flying multicopters that can travel faster than cars at highway speeds. The services are expected to commence by 2026.
- The Hyperloop is a next-gen rail system, developed by Virgin Hyperloop and expected to connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the near future. This project estimates the travel time between the two emirates to be 12 minutes, making it the fastest transportation system within the country once it becomes a reality. Presently the system is being developed and tested in the US. Reports say that the Dubai Government-owned DP World, one of the biggest shareholders of Virgin Hyperloop, is pushing for an early launch of cargo side operations to speed up and streamline supply chain systems.
- In May 2023, RTA announced the trial operations of the first Autonomous Electric Abra, with reduced noise and zero carbon emissions. These self-navigating abras will soon replace traditional water transport in the city, in line with Dubai’s plans of making 25 percent of all public transport autonomous by 2030.
In addition to these revolutionary urban mobility projects, the Emirates will also expand its automobile marketplace, promoting the use of hybrid and electric vehicles by all citizens and residents, and encouraging them to lead a greener and sustainable lifestyle.
Embracing sustainability
Accelerated efforts by the UAE government to decarbonize ground mobility and introduce alternative green mobility are indeed commendable. As the Emirates prepares to host the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP28 in November, it has become evident that the sustainable initiatives we have in place are in good faith and in the right direction.
From a country whose economy was largely dependent on the oil and gas industry to being a trailblazer in green energy and sustainable living, the UAE has come a long way. You can take a pledge towards a greener community.
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