The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, RTA, has signed a joint venture with Emaar Properties, to study the launch of autonomous vehicles using smart traffic signals at crossings between Dubai Mall and the Boulevard areas.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the International Road Federation, IRF, Middle East and North Africa.

Maitha bin Adai, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency, signed the agreement on behalf of RTA, while Ahmed Thani Al Matrooshi, Managing Director of Emaar Properties, signed on behalf of Emaar Properties, in the presence of scores of directors and staff members from both parties.

Commenting on the venture, Maitha bin Adai said, "The self-driving vehicles had brought new challenges and perceptions to our road infrastructure, which warrants upgrading the existing technology in an innovative manner to mark the world’s first autonomous vehicles initiative. The joint venture is a fruitful outcome of the study of autonomous vehicles plying the Dubai Mall and the Boulevard areas using, in the initial phase, smart interactive systems between these vehicles and traffic signals on some intersections, controlled by signalised traffic lights.

"This drive is expected to further boost Dubai's standing in the forefront of global cities in implementing clean transport solutions that contribute to achieving sustainable development. This is because innovation in the transportation sector and mobility solutions in the city is one of the key pillars of the Dubai Smart Vision, launched by the Dubai Government."

Al Matrooshi added, "The joint venture is another conclusive testament reflecting Dubai’s commitment to promoting sustainable transport patterns consistent with the objective of the Dubai 2021 Plan to build a smart city. We are poised to incorporate this clean and smart initiative into our future mega-project, "Dubai Creek Port," in line with Dubai's autonomous vehicles strategy launched recently."