UAE speeds ahead with launch of autonomous vehicle services to public

The future of mobility is speeding ahead in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the launch of fully driverless commercial services to the public, marking a major step forward in the country's quest to transform the future of road transport.

The local government in the UAE's capital Abu Dhabi has granted permission for Chinese autonomous driving brand Apollo Go -- in collaboration with the UAE autonomous mobility company Auto Go -- to first roll out services on the city's Yas Island, a popular tourism destination known for its theme parks, with plans to gradually expand to other parts of Abu Dhabi.

Driverless vehicle developments are also stepping up in Dubai. The city has issued its first autonomous vehicle testing permit to Apollo Go and inaugurated its first integrated autonomous driving operations base, providing a strong foundation for follow-up deployment.

Dubai officials said the project forms part of the city's ambitious Smart City 2030 Strategy, which aims to shift 25 percent of urban travel to autonomous modes by 2030.

As the second-largest economy in the Arab world, the UAE has been accelerating economic diversification in recent years to reduce reliance on oil, with smart transportation emerging as a key pillar of this transformation.

Authorities in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have introduced a series of strategies to fast-track the adoption of intelligent mobility, offering policy support and favorable conditions for research, development, and the testing of autonomous vehicles.

Industry analysts attribute the UAE's rise as a global hub for autonomous driving deployment to its open regulatory environment and strong capital support for advanced technologies.

"Dubai is in a strong position because it has excellent infrastructure and strong government coordination. The roads are modern, well maintained, and clearly regulated, which is very important for a driverless technology. Government entities like the RTA work closely together. We should expect new policies, but they'll be well thought out, tested and aligned with Dubai's high standards," said Hessa Abdulla Al Nuaimi, a researcher for the UAE's Trends Research and Advisory, an independent research institution.

Beyond new policy initiatives and increased investment, favorable road conditions, advanced communications networks, and high public acceptance of new technologies have also created the right environment for the speedier adoption of autonomous vehicles.

"Dubai has already proven public trust in automation, from the full autonomous metro system to smart government services used daily by residents. In addition, high smart phone penetration, advanced 5G networks, and smart traffic systems provide the digital foundation that autonomous vehicles depend on," said Oleg Savikov, Deputy CEO for Global Business Development at Rewatt Tech, Russia's largest electric vehicle charging equipment manufacturer.

According to data from market research firm WENKH, the global autonomous driving systems market exceeded 30 billion U.S. dollars in 2025 and is projected to expand at a staggering compound annual growth rate of around 56 percent, taking it above 700 billion U.S. dollars by 2032.

UAE speeds ahead with launch of autonomous vehicle services to public

In South Sudan, education is being championed as a foundation for peace, but ongoing conflict and poverty continue to deprive millions of children of the opportunity to learn.

The South Sudanese government said education is crucial to building peace, promoting social cohesion, and equipping young people with skills to resolve conflict.

Some schools, including one in the capital Juba, have even established "peace centers" where students are trained in leadership and peacebuilding. Schools are also playing a role in tackling harmful practices like early and forced marriage.

"We normally inform them that in case they encounter such challenges, you come directly to school, we will be able to support you. Whatever support that is required, is always availed to them," said Chol Reuben Maken, school principal.

Despite these initiatives, the education sector is in crisis. According to UNICEF, South Sudan has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world, with girls making up 75 percent. Over 2.2 million children, more than half of the country's youth population, are not attending school.

The key barriers are poverty and ongoing violence.

"General poverty is a real challenge to many families and therefore access to education becomes less of a priority if you need to feed yourself and cover other basic needs. There are also climate-related events that affect access to education. South Sudan is prone to flooding and it's also prone to heat waves," said Emilie Roy, education chief of UNICEF South Sudan.

The government said it is investing in education as a long-term tool for positive change, stressing that the impact of education goes far beyond academic achievement.

Educated children, officials said, become advocates and peacebuilders who push for equality and challenge harmful practices within their communities, planting the seeds for a more peaceful future.

Still, the challenges are enormous. Many children simply have no schools to attend due to a lack of infrastructure, and where schools do operate, chronic staff shortages and unpaid salaries have left the system struggling.

"My biggest thank you is to my colleagues, the teachers, the teachers of this country that have persevered through all the challenges to make sure that education is progressing and that our kids are taught," said Kuyok Abol Kuyok, minister of General Education.

While UNICEF maintains that education is a primary tool for promoting long-term stability, they also warn that without immediate peace in the country, the opportunity for an education will remain a far off dream for many.

Education seen as peace tool in South Sudan