The smart mobility sector is witnessing an unprecedented technological boom that will contribute to shaping the future of the self-driving vehicle industry, which has become a reality in the UAE, being the first country in the region and the second globally to obtain a temporary license to test autonomous vehicles on the roads.
This important development is expected to make a strong leap in technological progress in general, and the future of the autonomous vehicle industry in particular, especially given the great importance of these two axes to society and the economy.
Collaboration between innovators, car manufacturers, telecommunications, government departments and others contribute to the development of the future of intelligent mobility and autonomous vehicles.
The launch of the first self-driving bus operating with 5G technology in the region in the Emirate of Ajman, last month, an initiative led by the “Ajman X Center” and “Etisalat Group”, was in line with the UAE’s ambition to lead digital transformation, and with the national agenda that seeks to Strengthening the position of the UAE, and placing it among the best countries in the world in the field of self-driving transport based on the 5G network, and advanced technologies.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, said: “Today, Ajman has become one of the most advanced cities in terms of employing technology to serve its residents and in all fields… and due to the permanent efforts made by the Municipality and Planning Department in seizing opportunities that would Forming advanced transport systems that are more sustainable, flexible and people-centred, we are confident that this self-driving bus that works with 5G technology from Etisalat will form an important part of the digital transformation initiative undertaken by the Municipality Department, through which it is keen to provide the latest technologies and innovations to the The emirate and its residents.. With the country’s preparations to celebrate the golden jubilee of the United Arab Emirates, and embodying the vision of the leadership of the United Arab Emirates on the importance of building future self-driving transport, we will continue to work to achieve the country’s digital goals, in a way that enables it to contribute to the growth of the emirate and the economy.”
Etisalat Emirates CEO, Masoud Sherif Mahmoud, said: “In order to enable Ajman X to launch its self-driving bus service, Etisalat Group has strengthened its collaboration with various teams of experts in the OEM autonomous vehicle industry, and experts in the field of self-driving cars. Vehicle Communications with Everything (V2X), in addition to launching and deploying the network, the group has built multiple partnerships for this project with specialized technology companies, in a way that contributed to the successful launch of the 5G self-driving bus in Ajman.”
He added that cooperation in this project was also between Navya, the company specializing in self-driving transportation systems, ION, which specializes in OEM parts for self-driving cars, and Derq, experts in vehicle-to-everything communication (V2X), and Acacus, through their knowledge in the field of intelligence. They have played an important role in enabling the launch of the self-driving bus service in Ajman.
He said: “With the support of the Ajman government, local police and transport authorities, this was an important opportunity to successfully employ technology in providing self-driving transport service, and to enable citizens, residents and tourists to enjoy this pioneering and unique experience.”
He stated that infrastructure plays a key role in enabling the future of the network, especially with regard to the Internet of Things (IoT), mobility, and self-driving vehicles. With regard to building this future, Etisalat Group has continued its investments in this field to become the fastest network in the world. Provider of the 5G network, the latest Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) and LTE-M network, the group has also contributed to linking vehicles with traffic regulators, buildings, and all the elements that enhance road safety as well, which is very important for the connected car market, and solutions remotely, and for an electronic call (emergency call), a new service to enhance the speed of response in the event of road accidents, as vehicles equipped with this new technology are connected via eSIM solutions provided by Etisalat Group.
Rashid bin Humaid:
“Ajman has become one of the most advanced cities in terms of employing technology to serve its residents and in all fields.”