Dubai Launches First Driverless Abra Trial

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the city started the trial operation of a driverless electric abra, or 'water taxi'. 

The initial journey of the autonomous electric boat took place from Al Jaddaf to the Festival City station on the Dubai Creek.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, said: "The autonomous electric abra boasts superb features highlighted by zero carbon emissions, lower operating and maintenance costs (by up to 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 control system and four lithium batteries that ensure an operating time of seven hours. The RTA adopted new technologies in designing the structure … and used fibreglass in the hull to reduce its weight."

The driverless abra was manufactured locally at the RTA's Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre. 

In order to reinforce Dubai`s smart and sustainable infrastructure of the transport network, The trial operation of the ‘First Autonomous Electric Abra’, Which is one of the world`s first marine trials in passenger transport. pic.twitter.com/zfTLj0ENe7

— RTA (@rta_dubai) May 14, 2023

The driverless electric abra's design retains the heritage identity of traditional abras, a common sight in Dubai's waters.

The traditional boat can carry eight riders.