Ras Al Khaimah launched an autonomous mobility framework and an Autonomous Vehicle Testing Zone Initiative on Friday, and its transport authority signed 10 partnership agreements to develop and test the technology, state news agency WAM reported.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attended the launch, organized by the RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA) with RAK Properties.
The agreements were signed with government entities, specialized companies, universities and research institutions.
The testing zone will give companies a dedicated environment to test vehicles and their technologies and to assess efficiency and safety, WAM said.
The emirate aims to use it to attract specialized international companies.
“We look forward to autonomous mobility contributing to strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s competitiveness,” Sheikh Saud said.
Earlier trials
The framework builds on trials of autonomous RoboBus vehicles on Al Marjan Island and expanded RoboTaxi testing in the Al Dhait South area.
Zeng Jixin, China’s ambassador to the UAE, and Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, director general of RAKTA, attended the ceremony at the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa.
In January, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah issued a law regulating autonomous vehicles in the emirate.
