All about the upcoming transportation projects in the UAE
The UAE government aims to transform the country’s transport sector into the most innovative in the world. Much of the current investment goes into the development of futuristic, sustainable solutions to serve residents. Transportation projects in the UAE always remain ahead of the curve when adopting the latest technology and methods. And looking at the interesting list of upcoming transportation projects, it is certain that things are moving rapidly. Different policies and plans have been laid out to ensure quick progress, and it won’t be long before the local transportation network in the UAE is one of the most advanced in the world.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES REGARDING UPCOMING TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
The transportation network, as stated earlier, is one of the key focus areas of the UAE government. Different policies have been outlined to ensure the government facilitates progress and development into the industry that is a leading driver of the country’s economy.
DUBAI AUTONOMOUS TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY
Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy outlines the plan to transform 25% of total transport in Dubai into an autonomous mode by 2030. It is estimated that this change will result in AED 22 billion revenue generation because of reduced transportation costs, lower accident rates, lower carbon emissions, and an increase in overall productivity. This plan will also cut down on the waste of conventional transportation.
Authorities expect a 44% drop in transportation expense, roughly translating into AED 900 million per year. Furthermore, saving AED 1.5 billion is possible by cutting down on environmental pollution by 12%. AED 18 billion will be injected into the economy with an increase in the transportation sector’s efficiency by 2030.
The upcoming transportation projects also aim to reduce the number of traffic accidents and the losses caused by them. It is estimated that automated systems will result in around a 12% drop in accident rates leading to a AED 2 billion per year saving. Individual productivity is also expected to go up by 13%, which amounts to 396 million hours annually.
Surface Transport Master Plan (Abu Dhabi)
A Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) is devised to deliver a sustainable transport system capable of supporting the capital city’s economic, cultural, social and environmental goals. The ultimate goal is to develop a system that makes responsible use of resources, produces minimal pollution and preserves the natural Abu Dhabi environment. Simultaneously, the solution must meet the needs and expectations of residents, tourists and businesses in the UAE capital. These services also need to be reliable, efficient, safe, aptly designed and environmentally suitable.
The basic tenets of this upcoming transport project have been outlined as well:
- Extensive public transport network which is powered by alternative fuels and world-leading renewable energy technology.
- Uses innovative and novel systems like the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), solar power.
- From design, construction to operation, a commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
- Encourage cycling, walking and respect for the environment.
Like most transportation infrastructure projects, this project is also based on four major pillars: infrastructure, legislative structure, technology and individuals. Buses, metro and taxi will be transport modes affected by this change in strategy.
ABU DHABI TRANSPORTATION MOBILITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Major changes are part of the Abu Dhabi Transportation Mobility Management Strategy (TMM). By 2030, the government aims to:
- Encourage an overhaul in the behaviour and attitude towards the use of sustainable modes of transportation.
- Provide greater access to public transport for the residents and businesses by improving sustainable modes of transport.
- Satisfy transportation needs by integrating and increasing the efficiency of existing and future transportation projects and making better land infrastructure use.
- Reduce congestion and year on year growth in the number of vehicles on the road, from private cars to more sustainable transportation modes.
- Develop multimodal public transport network which creates interconnection and inter-operability between different associated networks.
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is also set to play a major role in the development of upcoming transportation projects. Huge projects are underway as per the plans laid out by the government.
In a speech at the World Government Summit, H.E. Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, explained the vision behind the different plans and projects which will change the way of life in the country. He stressed that the UAE government is the driver of this change.
“Yesterday, many speakers [at the World Government Summit] talked about how trillions of dollars are spent on research and development. However, with the UAE, the situation is different. Here, the government is the driving factor of change. In order to be a leader of change, you have to have a clear vision, foresight and capability to manage changes,” he said.
However, he did stress that the private sector will still play a critical role. Furthermore, it was highlighted, how private car ownership is the cause of stress on the systems.
“In Dubai, there are 3.5 million people. We have more than one million cars coming in from Sharjah, which means that many people are accessing Dubai on a daily basis. The overall population can be estimated to be as high as five million. To service so many people you have to have the infrastructure,” he said.
As a solution, he proposed linking the Dubai Metro to other emirates, which can also lead to a reduction in pollution. In fact, all Roads & Transport Authority Projects consider the environmental impact.
“We could start a Metro to link together all the cities. We need to determine the start and finish point. Our current initiatives have reduced fuel consumption by 285 million litres per year and carbon dioxide emissions by 5,000 tons annually,” H.E. Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer highlighted.
The government is working actively on projects which will reshape the transportation network in the UAE. Trust in Artificial Intelligence is on the rise. So, you can expect to see driverless cars, air taxis, unibikes and a metro service that links the seven emirates soon.
UPCOMING TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
Here is what you can expect in the future when it comes to public transport networks:
FLYING TAXIS
This concept was introduced back in 2017, and a fair bit of work has gone into creating a prototype. Several tests have been conducted, and the flying time was noted at 30 minutes at 50 km/hr, while the top speed was 100 km/hr.
DRIVERLESS CARS
Self-driving cars have been discussed for a while now. Different models have been tested, and many top firms in the world have been working on their models. At part of the World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, driverless cars did make it to the Dubai streets. Expect these cars to be commonplace in the not-too-distant future.
HYPERLOOP
With this vacuum-tube hyperloop, you can travel at the speed of almost 1000 km/hr. This means one can travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in just 12 minutes! The hyperloop network tubes are powered by solar energy and it is estimated that a total of 45-million passengers per annum will travel via this transport network.
A deal has been signed by Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and Virgin Hyperloop (VH). The two organisations will work in cohesion for research, localization and innovation.
SKYPODS
Skypods models called Unibike have been tested on a limited scale in Dubai. These small, lightweight vehicles are fitted with steel made wheels to move along an air-suspended rail line. Skypods have a maximum speed of 150 km/hr and can carry five passengers at one time.
SKYWAY
The Skyway project in Sharjah is seen as a way to resolve traffic congestion in the emirate. Phase 1 of the project is 80% complete, while the phase development is underway. Unicars (pods) that can carry up to four people will be suspended across elevated corridors. However, the pod’s capacity can be increased and eventually, they can carry more than 80 passengers. The project running from Sharjah Airport Road to University City Road covers 2.8km and can be used for cargo.
Since the pods will be suspended in the air, there is no need for concrete structures, which ultimately will help save costs and make the project environment-friendly.
FAQS
WHEN CAN WE EXPECT THESE PROJECTS TO OPEN FOR PUBLIC?
The final dates for the projects mentioned above have not been announced yet. However, given the work has been on-going for several years, these projects are expected to come to fruition reasonably soon.
WILL ALL PROJECTS BE GOVERNMENT LED?
As previously mentioned, the UAE government is keen to push transportation progress. However, private companies will also be involved in most projects.
That concludes our look at upcoming transportation projects in the UAE. As transportation throughout the UAE is revolutionised, there’s a very real possibility that the Dubai Metro will form a crucial part of that transformation. It’s also highly likely that the best areas to live in Dubai if you don’t drive will grow in popularity as all the new transportation projects reach conclusion.
For those interested in the capital’s public transport options, here’s our comprehensive guide to Abu Dhabi’s public transport network.
Transportation systems are rapidly evolving all around the world, and you can rest assured that the UAE will be at the forefront for all the new, innovative and developing technologies.
Follow MyBayut as we take you along this journey of transformation.
