Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE approved its first national license for driverless cars or self-driving vehicles, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced. Sheikh Mohammed, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made the announcement on self-driving vehicles following a Council of Ministers meeting that he chaired at Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi on Monday (July 3). "We approved today, within the Council of Ministers, the first national license for self-driving vehicles on the country's roads, which was granted to the specialized WeRide company,” Sheikh Mohammed said. WeRide is a China-based company that develops autonomous driving technologies. It is the first technology company in the world that holds driverless test permits in China and the US. It has research and development and operation centres in 11 cities around the world, including Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed said that the council also approved the national policy for electric vehicles. Under the policy, the UAE will build a national network for electric vehicle charging devices as well as create regulations for electric cars and the electric vehicle market. UAE policies will be aimed at “stimulating related industries to ensure reducing emissions, reducing energy consumption, and preserving the quality of roads that the UAE enjoys," Sheikh Mohammed said. "The world is changing rapidly... leadership patterns are changing, and life in the country will change rapidly in the coming years... and the human being, his comfort and quality of life will remain the permanent constant in our government agenda," he pointed out. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page