Dubai prepares for launch of first 'self-driving' taxis

Dubai has begun a digital mapping project for a fleet driverless taxis.
GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images
This picture taken on Nov. 30, 2021, shows a self-driving taxis being used in a demonstration in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, to transport passengers to the nearby Yas Island. - GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images
Rabih Damaj
Rabih Damaj
@rabihdamaj

DUBAI, UAE — Dubai is preparing to launch its first fleet of “self-driving” taxis in 2023. Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who announced the plan in May, has set a target of 25% of Dubai journeys to be driverless by 2030.

In early June, the Dubai Municipality announced that its Department of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has started work on high-resolution digital maps to be used in self-driving vehicles.

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