Dubai Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has launched its “Al Yamama” initiative where DTC’s taxis will be fitted with smart cameras. These cameras will monitor the movement of the taxi driver and objects in the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

The driverless taxi is in implementation of the Dubai smart self-driving mobility strategy that aims to transform 25 per cent of the emirate's total journeys into self-driving ones by 2030.

The vehicle, which will be tentatively run on dedicated routes at the Dubai Silicon Oasis, has "top safety and security standards", the RTA said. It is equipped with cameras and sensors that fully view traffic and road conditions control the vehicle and avoid collisions.

DTC unveiled the initiative at Gitex 2018 as part of RTA’s participation in the event that attracts a large number of visitors, traders and business leaders who are keen to keep abreast of the latest technologies. The project is a pioneering step aimed to enhance the credentials of Dubai as the smartest and happiest city in the world.

“The launch of Al Yamama initiative is a quantum shift in harnessing artificial intelligence in the taxi transit service. Al Yamama will enhance the traffic safety through providing accurate information about taxi accidents, maintaining monitoring 24/7, and providing detailed information and reports about the condition of RTA’s assets and facilities,” said Dr Yousef Al Ali, CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation.

“Al Yamama reads billboards and directional signage on streets and identifies prime locations for placing new billboards. It also sends continuous updates about geographical information as well as new areas and roads in Dubai,” he added.

“Through this initiative, Dubai Taxi Corporation is aspiring to achieve its strategic goals, i.e. smart mobility and people happiness,” concluded Al Ali