Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will begin the trial of self-driving taxis towards the end of this year.

The new technology underlines RTA’s commitment to boosting the government’s strategy of converting 25% of total journeys in Dubai into auto transit by 2030.

Through its stand at GITEX 2018, the RTA showcased the first ‘Autonomous taxi’ in the region.

RTA Public Transport Agency CEO Ahmed Bahrozyan said: “The vehicle has been designed in conjunction with the Dubai Silicon Oasis and DG World (Digirobotics).

“The vehicle offers an innovative solution for challenges associated with the first and last mile, as well as internal roads in several residential communities and entertainment venues.”

“The vehicle offers an innovative solution for challenges associated with the first and last mile, as well as internal roads in several residential communities and entertainment venues.”

“The vehicle features high safety and security standards. It can remotely scan and figure out the surroundings, such as light signals and the four sides of the track through a GPS system. It can monitor any object that may have the potential of triggering a collision.”

The self-driving taxi also features sensors on the top and sides to help avoid crashes.

If the vehicle experiences a potential technical glitch, the driver’s service can be initiated by pressing a button, which shifts the operation from autonomous driving to the human driving mode.

The trial will be carried out over a period of three months and the car will run at speeds of up to 22mph. It can accommodate four passengers, including a standby driver in the cabin.

Upon completion of a successful trial, the RTA will decide on a suitable area for the self-driving taxi to be launched.