Investing in transport and logistics is essential to keep towns and cities running. People want to get to their destination as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. The UAE has propelled its transportation sector into the digital age through a series of transformative initiatives, visionary government policies and strategic collaborations between the public and private sectors. Islam Abdul Karim, General Manager at Yango GCC, discusses ground-breaking collaborations and the growth of the shared mobility segment.
Over the past three decades, the UAE has undergone a significant economic transformation, shifting from reliance on oil and gas towards becoming a diversified hub for trade, services and industry. This evolution has been supported by substantial investments in infrastructure, transport and logistics, solidifying the UAE’s position as a vital business, tourism and trade centre within the GCC and the broader Middle East region. Simultaneously, the UAE has propelled its transportation sector into the digital age through a series of transformative initiatives, visionary government policies and strategic collaborations between the public and private sectors.
Additionally, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has set an ambitious goal to increase the share of public transport in the mobility of people to 30% by 2030. This target underscores the country’s dedication to promoting sustainable and efficient modes of transportation, hinting at the immense potential for further advancements in shaping the future of mobility.
Ground-breaking collaborations
Collaborations between government and private sectors have been instrumental in driving innovation in transportation solutions. The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, for example, has forged partnerships with various private companies to bolster Dubai’s global leadership in self-driving transport, aligning with the Emirate’s ambition to be the world’s smartest city. These partnerships are crucial as they allow for the pooling of resources, expertise and innovative capabilities from both sectors. Private companies often bring cutting-edge technology, agile methodologies and entrepreneurial spirit to the table, while government entities offer regulatory frameworks, public infrastructure and a deep understanding of local needs and challenges. By combining these strengths, collaborations can accelerate the development and deployment of transformative transportation solutions.
In 2021, RTA collaborated with Digital Dubai to launch ‘Dubai in Motion’, a project aimed at enhancing informed decision-making on transport and community planning to elevate people’s mobility. This initiative offers insights into public transport movements through the creation of models and scenarios depicting current mobility patterns and potential future scenarios. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both public and private entities, such collaborations aim to enhance transportation efficiency and foster a more resilient and progressive sector.
Favourable government strategies
Several progressive national policies have laid the groundwork for the Digital Transformation of the transportation sector, reflecting a broader trend towards modernisation and optimisation of transportation systems. The commitment of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai to invest over AED1.6 billion in their Digital Strategy 2023 – 2030, encompassing 82 projects and initiatives, highlights a strategic shift towards leveraging digital technologies to enhance mobility, efficiency and service delivery.
Furthermore, the Dubai Autonomous Transportation strategy represents a significant step towards embracing autonomous technologies and reshaping the future of transportation. Targeting the automation of over 25% of Dubai’s transportation by 2030, this initiative seeks to address pressing challenges such as traffic congestion, accidents and productivity losses. The projected outcomes, including significant reductions in accidents and travel time, underscore the transformative potential of transport technologies in enhancing safety, efficiency and economic productivity. These initiatives signify a proactive approach to addressing critical challenges and advancing transportation systems towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
Growth of shared mobility segment
One of the most remarkable initiatives promoting the growth and development of the autonomous and shared mobility solutions segment is the Smart Dubai 2021 Strategy. As part of its goals, the strategy aims to pioneer smart, innovative mobility solutions for a seamless and safe transportation experience in the Emirate while also harnessing the power of technologies for increased productivity, efficiency and reduced traffic congestion. Yango has emerged as a key player in this particular segment. In only a year’s time, with over 150 million rides, the number of active Yango users globally has tripled, marking a 200% increase. These figures emphasise the growing demand for innovative shared mobility platforms with a commitment to quality services to enhance the user experience.
A key advantage these platforms offer their users is flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional car rentals, which often require a minimum 24-hour commitment, car-sharing services charge users based on their actual usage, down to the minute. This not only ensures efficient utilisation of vehicles, reducing congestion and environmental impact, but also alleviates the financial burdens associated with full car ownership.
As we look ahead, the future of transportation in the UAE holds immense promise. The rise of shared mobility solutions indicates a fundamental shift in consumer preferences towards more efficient transportation options. The UAE government’s progressive stance on innovation, combined with collaborations with the private sector, will continue to drive the Digital Transformation of transportation, shaping a more efficient, sustainable and interconnected mobility ecosystem for generations to come.