Driverless in Dubai : Autonomous Vehicle Regulation Advances in the United Arab Emirates
Christopher R . Williams and Amelia Bowring *
In this article , the authors explain that the United Arab Emirates is resolutely positioning itself as a leader in innovation and technology , aspiring for Dubai to be the model city of the future .
In line with Dubai ’ s Autonomous Transportation Strategy ( the Strategy ), on April 14 , 2023 , Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai , introduced legislation to provide a legal basis for the Strategy being adopted as Law No . ( 9 ) of 2023 on regulating the operation of autonomous vehicles in Emirate of Dubai ( the Law ).
The UAE is resolutely positioning itself as a leader in innovation and technology , aspiring for Dubai to be the model city of the future , and the introduction of the Law demonstrates the country ’ s commitment to the same .
The Law aims to regulate the operation of autonomous vehicles in accordance with international best standards and attract investment into Dubai in respect of related activities . Among others , a key aim of the Strategy is to transform 25 percent of transportation in Dubai to autonomous mode by 2030 , with an estimated resulting saving of AED 22 billion in annual economic costs .
Powers Granted
The Law grants Dubai ’ s Road Transport Authority ( the RTA ) wide discretionary powers in respect of the governance of autonomous vehicles , including :
1 . Determining the types of vehicles to be made autonomous ; 2 . Selecting locations in Dubai where autonomous vehicles will be permitted ;
The Global Regulatory Developments Journal / January – February 2024 , Vol . 1 , No . 1 , pp . 71 – 73 . © 2024 Full Court Press . All rights reserved .
ISSN 2995-7486 .