Dubai and HERE Technologies to develop data infrastructure for driverless transportation

DUBAI, The Roads and Transport Authority, RTA, of Dubai and HERE Technologies have signed a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, for long-term technology collaboration with the aim of mapping the city with high-definition technology for the first time.

HD map is a prerequisite element to move Dubai closer to its goal of having 25 percent of public transport self-driving services by 2030.

Both parties plan to deploy newly available location technologies in the development of a data infrastructure to support safe, sustainable and efficient autonomous transportation. These efforts are in line with Dubai’s Smart City strategy and its self-driving transport roadmap, which ultimately aims to increase the quality of life for people in Dubai.

As part of their planned co-operation, RTA and HERE intend to conduct some pilots aimed at enabling HD Live Map, HERE’s map for autonomous cars, for public service vehicles operating in Dubai. HD Live Map is a high-definition and self-updating map designed to provide vehicles with accurate information about what is happening on the road.

Abdulla Al Madani, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, and Leon van de Pas, SVP, Internet of Things at HERE Technologies, signed the MOU.

Al Madani expressed his pleasure to sign this MoU with HERE Technologies, reaffirming RTA’s commitment to working with internationally recognised technology companies to deliver the latest solutions to the public in Dubai.

“RTA has always been a forerunner in harnessing the most sophisticated technologies through collaborating with the world’s best providers taking into consideration the contribution to make Dubai the world’s smartest city and make its residents, tourists and visitors happy and satisfied,” Al Madani said.

“Dubai recognises the importance of new location technologies in making transportation more efficient, safer and sustainable for people. Driven by our vision of enabling an autonomous world for everyone, the HERE Technologies team is excited and energised to help Dubai deliver on its ambitious plans for a driverless future,” Leon van de Pas said.

Source: Emirates News Agency