Dubai: Ahmed Hassan Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), revealed that the RTA has put flying vehicles on its radar and is monitoring related technological developments.
This is part of its commitment to keeping pace with emerging innovations in the transport sector and preparing for future transformations in transportation.
He explained that studying their legislative and regulatory requirements will come at a later stage, after these vehicles are approved and their technical characteristics and operational capabilities are clarified. This will allow for determining their classification, licensing mechanisms, the necessary infrastructure for their operation, and the requirements related to their use.
Technical specifications
Mahboob explained that traffic regulations already recognise self-driving and electric vehicles, while flying vehicles are still in the early stages of development and testing, which makes it premature to determine their licensing requirements or operating mechanisms.
He pointed out that some of the models that have been revealed have the ability to fly for specific distances, but their detailed technical specifications have not yet been clarified in a way that allows for evaluating their capabilities and operating requirements, while some designs are still under development. He suggested 2028 as a possible date to start considering the manufacture of one of these models, subject to the completion of the necessary requirements.
Mahboob pointed out that the study of these vehicles, once they reach the approval stage and their specifications are finalised, will encompass a range of essential aspects. These include determining whether traditional driver's licences authorise their use, or if their nature necessitates the creation of special licences.
The study will also identify the categories of drivers permitted to operate them, as well as the infrastructure and operational requirements. He emphasised that the RTA is monitoring these developments as part of its legislative and regulatory responsibilities and its commitment to keeping pace with technologies that may become part of the transportation system in the future.
Mahboob affirmed that the RTA’s approach to keeping up with these transformations is based on past experiences in adapting to emerging transportation modes. These include the entry of companies like Uber and Careem into the Dubai market, and the subsequent development of legislative, regulatory, and operational frameworks that defined the companies' roles and operating mechanisms. Similarly, the experience with autonomous vehicles, which have moved from the experimental phase to full operation, reflects the RTA’s approach of monitoring new technologies and developing regulatory frameworks for them once the necessary operational infrastructure is in place.
50,000 electric vehicles
In a related context, Mahboob revealed that the number of registered electric vehicles in Dubai has exceeded 50,000, reflecting the continued expansion of the electric vehicle market and the entry of more international brands. This coincides with the emirate's move to operate electric buses within its public transport fleet and develop the charging infrastructure to meet the operational requirements of this type of transportation.
He explained that the electric vehicle market in Dubai has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years. Initially, the available options were primarily focused on Tesla vehicles, before expanding with the entry of Chinese and European companies. Major global companies, including BMW, have also introduced fully electric and hybrid models.
He noted that the inventory features more than 20 brands, reflecting the diversity of options available to consumers and the growing presence of electric vehicles in the market. He pointed out that this expansion coincides with the development of the charging infrastructure, which began with efforts led by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to develop the charging station network. Other companies have since entered the market, including Etihad Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and Etisalat, among others, contributing to the diversification and wider availability of charging services.
He pointed out that these institutions and companies provide chargers that are characterised by their high capabilities and fast charging speed, and stations that combine refuelling services and charging of electric vehicles have begun to appear on the same site, which provides additional options for users and supports the expansion of the use of electric vehicles in different areas of the emirates.
Electric buses
Mahboob explained that the expansion in the use of electric vehicles is not limited to private vehicles, but extends to the public transport system, as the authority is moving towards gradually introducing electric buses into the public transport fleet, taking into account the nature of their operation and the difference in their needs from private vehicles, especially since they spend most of their working hours on the roads, and are linked to specific timetables for transporting passengers.
He explained that the battery charging time represents one of the most prominent challenges facing the expansion of electric bus operations, given that buses stopping for long periods to recharge may affect the regularity of trips and the efficiency of operation, which calls for searching for technical solutions that allow for reducing downtime and maintaining the continuity of service.
Battery replacement
He noted that the RTA is monitoring the development of fast-charging technologies, as well as exploring the possibility of utilising battery swapping systems. This is considered one of the options that could be studied in the future to meet the operational needs of buses, in parallel with developing the infrastructure to allow for their expansion into different areas.
In this context, he cited the experience of electric bicycles used for deliveries - the implementation covers approximately 100 bicycles. These bicycles rely on dedicated battery swapping stations, allowing drivers to replace a depleted battery with a charged one in about five minutes, and then resume their journey immediately without having to wait for the battery to recharge.
He pointed out that this experience opens the door to exploring the possibility of applying the battery swapping concept to other modes of transportation, including electric buses, in addition to utilising fast-charging technologies. This would contribute to addressing the challenges related to charging time and operational continuity.