The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has given its seal of approval to the first-ever national license for self-driving cars to operate on the country’s roadways.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took to Twitter to announce that WeRide has been granted the initial license.
As stated on their official website, WeRide, a company headquartered in Guangzhou, China, and with centers in Abu Dhabi and other cities, engages in autonomous driving research and operations across more than 26 global cities.
The company offers a range of products including robotaxis, robobuses, robovans for delivery services, and robosweepers, all designed to operate continuously throughout the day, regardless of weather conditions.
The offerings encompass internet-based ride-hailing, transportation services as needed, and city-based logistics.
Furthermore, Sheikh Mohammed disclosed the endorsement of a federal electric vehicles strategy. The objective is to establish a countrywide infrastructure of electric vehicle charging stations, oversee the market, and foster related industries to achieve reduced emissions and energy usage. The transportation sector is expected to experience a 20 percent decrease in energy consumption as a result of the initiative.
