Watch: Roads and Transport Authority trials unmanned abra boats on Dubai Creek

Watch: Roads and Transport Authority trials unmanned abra boats on Dubai Creek

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has embarked on a trial operation of the ‘First Autonomous Electric Abra’, with a capacity to carry eight riders. It was manufactured locally at RTA’s Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre, featuring a design that preserve the heritage identity of abras. The initial journey of this abra took place from Al Jaddaf Station to the Festival City Station on Dubai Creek. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, said: “The operation of the Autonomous Electric Abra is in line with RTA’s efforts to achieve Dubai’s Strategy for Self-Driving Transport that aims to convert 25 per cent of the total mobility journeys in Dubai into self-driving journeys by 2030. It also contributes to the realisation of Dubai’s master plan to curb carbon emissions of public transport means as per the requirements of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.” He added: “The Autonomous Electric Abra boasts superb features highlighted by zero carbon emissions, lower operating and maintenance costs by 30 per cent, and the elimination of noise compared to diesel-powered models. It is equipped with two electric motors with a maximum speed of seven knots. “It has an autonomous