Dubai Self-Driving Transport Congress Begins

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, the third installment of the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport has commenced on September 26, 2023, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

This groundbreaking event, the first of its kind in the Middle East, carries the theme “Empowering Mobility 4.0.” The inaugural day of the congress will witness the recognition of the champions of the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, with this edition spotlighting “Self-Driving Buses.”

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), extended a warm welcome to all participants and attendees. He expressed his hope for an enjoyable stay in the UAE and the achievement of the congress’s objectives. Al Tayer emphasized that RTA’s role in hosting the congress and challenge aligns with Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, aimed at making 25 percent of mobility journeys in Dubai smart and driverless by 2030.

Al Tayer elaborated, stating, “The congress serves as a global platform for autonomous mobility, uniting experts, policymakers, technology developers, researchers, and academics to exchange ideas and insights among global leaders in innovation and technology related to autonomous vehicles. It endeavors to explore best practices, facilitate dialogue in panels, seminars, and workshops, and stay abreast of the latest developments and innovations in autonomous mobility. Furthermore, the congress seeks to enhance public awareness of cutting-edge and future transportation technologies and assess their impact on investments and mobility strategies.”

Over two days, the congress has attracted around 2,000 participants from across the globe, boasting 53 speakers and encompassing 18 seminars, workshops, eight discussion panels, five parallel sessions, and two knowledge sessions hosted by the International Society of Automotive Engineers. This assembly includes top executives, researchers, experts, and developers of autonomous mobility technology.

Sam Rogers, also known as the “Flying Man” and Chief Designer and Test Pilot at Gravity Industries, will deliver the opening session’s keynote address, discussing the future of mobility with the Gravity Jet Suit. The first day’s closing speech will be delivered by Stephen Shladover, an international expert in driverless transport technology. On the second day, Dr. Marko Bjelonic, Founder of Swiss Mile Company, will provide the keynote address, and Duncan Walker, CEO and Co-Founder of Skyports, will conclude the congress.

Dubai’s Challenge

The congress’s opening day will honor the victors of the 3rd edition of the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, the world’s first of its kind. This challenge carries a total prize purse of US$2.3 million, with $2 million allocated to the Industry Leaders category and $300,000 to the Local Academia category.

The third edition of the challenge witnessed a remarkable surge in participation in both categories, with 27 applications submitted from around the world, surpassing the targets by 130 percent for the Industry Leaders category and 175 percent for the Local Academia category. Ten local and international firms have advanced to the final round of the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, with a particular focus on Self-Driving Buses in the Industry Leaders and Local Academia categories.

In the Industry Leaders category, five international firms qualified for the final stage: Alexander Dennis (United Kingdom), Bright Drive (Egypt), King Long (China), Quadribot (France), and iAuto Technology (Taiwan). In the Local Academia category, five universities were selected for the finals: Heriot-Watt University, Dubai, Khalifa University – Abu Dhabi, University of Dubai, University of Bolton – Ras Al Khaimah, and the American University of Sharjah.

Rigorous Tests

Companies that reached the final stage of the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport underwent comprehensive testing protocols designed by global experts. These tests included both basic and advanced assessments covering traffic safety, autonomous technology maturity in buses, user convenience, credibility, forward vision, innovation, expertise, operational viability, and value addition.

For the Industry Leaders category, testing occurred at a designated site at the Dubai Silicon Oasis, in collaboration with the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.

In the Local Academia category, each university presented its prototype on its campus, with evaluations focusing on solutions to enhance passenger service, autonomous bus integration, and solution maturity.

Exhibition Highlights

The congress is complemented by a special exhibition showcasing self-driving transport, with participation from 40 exhibitors representing leading companies. Notable participants include General Motors’ Cruise, the Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre, United Motors and Heavy Equipment Company, Ruptella, SGS Gulf, Al Naboodah, Trapeze, Minus Zero, Dubai Technology, Talabat, and Bystrak. These companies will unveil the latest smart and sustainable mobility technologies. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Cruise autonomous vehicles, set to launch in Dubai later this year in collaboration with Cruise, a leading manufacturer of autonomous vehicles.

Sponsors and Collaborators

RTA co-hosts the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport in collaboration with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIES), the Museum of the Future, and the International Society of Automotive Engineers. The congress enjoys sponsorship from United Motors and Heavy Equipment Company, Swaidan Trading Company – Al Naboodah, Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre, Trapeze Middle East, Mappable, Dubai Taxi, Talabat, Aminco Security Services LLC, Dollar Car Rental, and the Khatib & Alami – Consolidated Engineering Company.