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Dubai RTA to open registrations for $5 million self-driving challenge

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has announced the opening of registration for the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport.

According to the Dubai Media Office, registrations start from tomorrow, 1st May, through the website www.sdchallenge.com.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, had previously unveiled the initiative in collaboration with Khalifa University and NewCities International Organisation.

“Registration for the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport starts tomorrow (May 1), finalists will be announced next October, and winners will be unveiled on 15 October 2019. The total prize money exceeds $5 million,” said Adel Shakri, Director of Transportation Systems cum Head of the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport Committee.

Shakri noted that the Challenge is part of RTA’s efforts to support the leading role of Dubai in Self-Driving Transport and its commitment to realise the Government vision for transforming 25 percent of total mobility trips in Dubai into driverless trips by 2030.

The Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport was launched by the RTA, in collaboration with Khalifa University and NewCities International Organisation.

Through this initiative, the Dubai RTA is seeking to bring together prominent experts, specialists, policymakers, technology drivers, researchers and academicians. “It will attempt to come up with the best ideas and visions that serve the Dubai Government’s drive, achieve RTA’s first strategic goal (Smart Dubai), and realise Dubai initiative (Smart Dubai),” he said.

“The Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport targets big companies, start-ups and local and international universities. About $3 million has been allocated to mega companies, $1.5 million for start-ups, and $600,000 for universities and academic institutions ($300,000 for local universities, and a similar amount for international universities. The Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport has become a key pillar of Dubai RTA’s strategy.

“The RTA is, therefore, launching a host of innovative initiatives such that mobility can be a reality on the ground,” said Sharkri.

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