Driverless cars to be trialed in Dubai

Not content with having an iconic hotel, the world’s tallest building and one of the biggest shopping malls, the UAE has launched a project that will see Dubai become the world’s smartest city with self-driving cars.

Under the direction of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Roads and Transport Authority this week announced the trial run of the self-driving cars.

The vehicles, which will have a capacity of 10 passengers, will travel short distances on pre-programmed routes and under multiple environments.

An RTA spokesman said: "The vehicle is fitted with all safety requisites and controls specifying its planned route, and the sensor system as well as the intelligent system of the vehicle enable coping with any obstacles encountered en-route to avoid collision.”