Augustin Friedel, an associated partner at Porsche AG, began his speech by commending Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for its initiatives in self-driving mobility. These initiatives are aimed at realizing the emirate’s vision of converting 25 percent of all transportation in the city to autonomous journeys by 2030. He praised RTA’s ambitious and well-structured plans, along with its dedication to leveraging the latest technological advancements through ongoing collaboration with global manufacturers, especially Chinese companies, which hold significant market shares in both the Middle East and Europe.
Friedel also emphasized the strength of autonomous vehicle manufacturers across various brands and countries, highlighting the importance of expanding and diversifying investments, particularly in autonomous fleets and fleet management. He noted that the sector is witnessing unprecedented and rapid growth, driven by innovation and talent, and guided by ambition and foresight to achieve excellence on a global scale. In conclusion, Friedel stressed that the Middle East, with the UAE and Dubai at the forefront, stands out as one of the most dynamic regions for the deployment of autonomous mobility technologies.
He attributed this to the strategic initiatives and robust plans implemented by transport leaders in the region. He further noted that self-driving mobility is on the agenda of all equipment manufacturers, not just light vehicle producers, as this trend represents the next revolution in the automotive industry. While it holds the potential to generate additional revenues, it also challenges existing business models. Consequently, all stakeholders are diligently working to overcome technological barriers, address safety concerns, tackle feasibility issues, and resolve operational challenges.
