Date: July 5, 2023
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has awarded its first license for Chinese autonomous vehicle testing to WeRide, an autonomous driving company. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made the news on his social media accounts.
The licensing agreement, granted by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport (FTA), allows WeRide to conduct extensive testing of its autonomous vehicles on designated roads and areas in the country.
In the Middle East, this is the first national-level autonomous driving license to be awarded. According to a statement from the business, with the license, WeRide will be able to undertake various road tests and autonomous driving operations all throughout the UAE.
WeRide, headquartered in China, is renowned for its expertise in developing and deploying autonomous vehicle systems. The company has been actively engaged in autonomous driving research and development for several years, accumulating valuable experience and advancing their technology. WeRide creates Level 4 autonomous driving technologies, and to date the business has set up AD operations, tests, and research and development in more than 26 cities worldwide.
By 2030, Dubai wants 25% of its transportation to be completely driverless. The granting of the self-driving license, according to Sheikh Mohammed, signifies a shift in the nation’s expected future transportation patterns.
The introduction of autonomous vehicles holds the promise of revolutionizing various industries, such as transportation, logistics, and mobility services. The UAE’s proactive approach in embracing this technology underscores its commitment to remaining at the forefront of global innovation.
With the granting of the first license for autonomous vehicle testing to WeRide, the UAE takes a leap forward in realizing its vision of becoming a leading global player in autonomous driving technology. This landmark development heralds a new era of transportation in the UAE and sets the stage for transformative advancements in autonomous vehicles that will shape the future of mobility.
Reference Link:
https://gulfbusiness.com/weride-receives-uaes-first-self-driving-licence/
