Dubai’s RTA runs trial operation of 1st Autonomous Electric Abra

Dubai’s RTA runs trial operation of 1st Autonomous Electric Abra

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has embarked on a trial operation of the “First Autonomous Electric Abra”, with a capacity to carry eight passengers.

Abra, a traditional boat made of wood, was manufactured locally at the RTA’s Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre, featuring a design that preserves the heritage identity of the abras. The initial journey of this abra took place from Al Jaddaf Station to the Festival City Station on Dubai Creek.

Matar Mohammed Al Tayer

Director-General, Chairman – RTA “The operation of the Abra is aligned with the RTA’s efforts to achieve Dubai’s Strategy for Self-Driving Transport that aims to convert 25 percent of the total mobility journeys in Dubai into self-driving journeys by 2030. It also contributes to the realization of Dubai’s master plan to curb carbon emissions of public transport means as per the requirements of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.”

“The Abra boasts superb features highlighted by zero carbon emissions, lower operating and maintenance costs by 30 percent, and it eliminates noise compared to diesel-powered models. It has two electric motors with a maximum speed of seven knots. It has an autonomous control system and four lithium batteries that ensure an operating time of seven hours. RTA