Automobile

RoboTaxis hit Abu Dhabi: Self-driving cabs take over streets in new trial

Published

3 weeks ago

March 31, 2025

Autonomous taxis are here. Autogo, a UAE-based mobility company, has kicked off trials for its RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi, with full-scale operations set to launch by 2026.

This futuristic ride-hailing service is powered by Apollo Go, the self-driving arm of Chinese tech giant Baidu, bringing cutting-edge AI technology straight to the streets of the UAE capital.

The trials, conducted in coordination with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), aim to ensure the autonomous cabs meet safety regulations and blend seamlessly into the city’s traffic network.

So, what’s the big deal? RoboTaxis promise safer, smarter, and greener rides. These electric, AI-driven vehicles navigate the roads with precision and real-time responsiveness, aiming to reduce human error and traffic congestion.

The 6th generation RT6 RoboTaxi — specially designed for driverless ride-hailing — boasts a sleek, comfortable design while being fully electric. Meanwhile, Apollo Go, already a major player in China’s autonomous driving scene, has clocked up over 150 million kilometres in self-driving experience.

Kintsugi Holding’s Managing Director, Sean Teo, called the launch a “game-changer for urban mobility”, emphasising its role in boosting road safety and sustainability.

With millions of autonomous rides already completed worldwide, Abu Dhabi is gearing up for a transportation revolution.

(Source: Wam)

Related Topics:abudhabi apollogo autogo ITC robotaxis self-drivingcab taxi transport

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Automobile

First all-women Arabian Gazelles Rally to launch in the UAE

Published

22 hours ago

April 22, 2025

Michael Gomes

The UAE is set to host the first-ever Arabian Gazelles Rally, an exclusive all-women’s driving event that blends luxury, adventure, and empowerment.

Set to begin at the Dubai Autodrome, the event, taking place from April 30 – May 4, will see a group of international women drivers come together for a multi-day road trip across the country in their supercars. The official date and detailed route will be announced soon.

Organised by Arabian Gazelles, the region’s first female-only supercar club, the rally is more than just a driving experience, it’s a celebration of women who love the open road and high-performance cars.

Participants will drive across scenic routes covering deserts, mountains, and coastal highways. Along the way, they will enjoy several experiences, including luxury stays, gourmet dining, wellness activities, and networking sessions.

“This rally is about more than just horsepower. It’s about women claiming space, shifting the narrative, and driving the change they want to see, mile by mile,” organisers said.

The rally is open by invitation only and is expected to attract a mix of entrepreneurs, creatives, executives, and motoring enthusiasts from around the world.

To register for the race, go to www.arabiangazelles.com.

(Source: GN, arabiangazelles.com)

Automobile

RTA to auction 90 special vehicle number plates in Dubai

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2025

Michael Gomes

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will auction 90 unique vehicle number plates, including two, three, four, and five-digit plates with codes such as AA, BB, CC, I, J, O, P, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z.

Some of the top plates up for grabs include BB 19, BB 20, and CC 22. The public auction, RTA’s 118th, will take place on Saturday, April 26, at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, starting at 4.30pm.

Registration Details:

Opens: Monday, April 21
Where: RTA website (www.rta.ae), RTA app, or at Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, and Al Barsha
On-site registration: From 2pm at the auction venue

Seating is limited, so early registration is advised. Priority will be given to those who register in advance.

To participate:

You must have an active traffic file in Dubai
Submit a security cheque of Dh25,000 to RTA
Pay a non-refundable registration fee of Dh120
A 5% VAT applies to the final sale

Payments can be made at Customer Happiness Centres, or online via the RTA website or app.

Automobile

UAE fuel prices drop for April 2025: Here’s what you’ll pay at the petrol pump

Published

3 weeks ago

March 31, 2025

Michael Gomes

Motorists in the UAE can expect some relief at the fuel stations, as authorities have announced a reduction in fuel prices for April 2025. The latest adjustment reflects global oil price trends and is expected to ease transportation costs for residents and businesses.

The new rates, which take effect on April 1, will see a decrease across different fuel categories, making it slightly more affordable for drivers across the country. While the reduction may not be drastic, it offers some financial relief amid fluctuating fuel costs in recent months.

Updated Fuel Prices for April 2025

Super 98 Petrol: Dh2.57 per litre (down from Dh2.73 in March)
Special 95 Petrol: Dh2.46 per litre (down from Dh2.61 in March)
E-Plus 91 Petrol: Dh2.38 per litre (down from Dh2.54 in March)
Diesel: Dh2.63 per litre (down from Dh2.77 in March)

This price revision is in line with monthly adjustments made by the fuel price committee, which reviews rates based on international market trends. The drop in fuel costs is expected to benefit daily commuters and businesses relying on transportation, providing slight relief amid fluctuating global energy prices.

Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about monthly price updates to plan their fuel expenses accordingly.

(Source: Wam)