Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has commenced field trials for participants in the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport 2023, which will take place at Dubai Silicon Oasis.
The challenge, which focuses on self-driving buses, offers a total prize pool of $2.3M, which will be distributed among two categories: Industry Leaders and Local Academia.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, RTA, said: “The launch of the third edition of the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport follows the success of the first two editions.”
“It complements RTA’s efforts to raise the profile of Dubai in self-driving transport and supports the government’s vision to transform 25 per cent of total mobility journeys in Dubai into journeys that use self-driving means by 2030.”
“The theme of this edition is ‘Self-Driving Buses’.”
The current iteration of the Challenge has witnessed a significant surge in participation from both Industry Leaders and Local Academia categories, with a total of 27 submissions received from candidates across the globe.
This remarkable number showcases a substantial 130 percent increase in the anticipated number of applicants in the Industry Leaders category, along with a notable 175 percent rise in applicants within the Local Academia category.
Bahrozyan said: “The third round of the challenge bears a new competitive character for the participants, which It reflects RTA’s commitment to bolstering Dubai Government’s leadership role in expanding the use of self-driving transportation technologies across the board.”
“The challenge awards $2M for the Industry Leaders category and $300,000 for the Local Academia category”.
According to Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, the Chief Officer of Engineering and Sustainability at Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) plays a crucial role as a dedicated economic zone focused on knowledge and innovation within the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040.
It serves as an ideal testing ground for the latest advancements in smart city technologies and futuristic societal solutions. Since its inception, DSO has made significant contributions to reinforcing Dubai’s leading status as one of the world’s most intelligent cities.
Al Katheeri said: “The Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, organised by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority at Dubai Silicon Oasis for the third consecutive year, strengthens the emirate’s ranking within indices for innovation, designing the future, creating opportunities, enhancing public-private partnerships, and supporting research and development across vital sectors.”
“This aligns with the key objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) – to consolidate Dubai’s position among the top three global cities.”
The Local Academia category is open to all universities, institutions, and research centers based in the UAE that have an interest in autonomous technology research and the development of related models.
The winners of the challenge will receive their announcements at the 3rd Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, organized by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, scheduled to take place from September 26-27. This groundbreaking event, the first of its kind globally, will serve as a prominent platform bringing together experts, policymakers, technology developers, researchers, and academics specializing in autonomous technology or related fields. The conference will recognize and celebrate the winners of the Self-Driving Challenge. In addition, the conference will feature an exhibition showcasing Self-Driving Transportation, expected to attract approximately 60 exhibitors and 2,000 visitors.
The conference will also feature a range of discussion panels and workshops, providing an opportunity to exchange expertise and engage in discussions on the latest advancements and innovations in autonomous technologies.
