Friday 7 , November 2025

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witnessed the launch of the first trial phase of the autonomous bus project, RoboBus, on Al Marjan Island. RoboBus is part of the partnership between Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and the Chinese company WeRide, which is recognized globally for its advancements in autonomous driving technologies. HE Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UAE, was present at the event which signified the emirate’s steps towards establishing a smart and sustainable mobility system that aligns with UAE’s future vision and its efforts to embracing innovation and advanced technologies to enhance quality of life for its people. H.H. affirmed that this trial phase represents a significant milestone in future planning, contributing to prosperity and demonstrating a commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and implementing innovative transport solutions that prioritize people and sustainability in our journey to the future, while also laying the groundwork for the development of smarter, more efficient and higher-quality urban models. Sheikh Saud remarked, “This initiative is part of a comprehensive vision aimed at creating an integrated smart mobility ecosystem in Ras Al Khaimah, that is based on transforming transportation into a complete experience that supports the national economy, provides environment friendly solutions and strengthens the emirate’s status as a regional hub for innovation in smart mobility”. “The emirate is confidently moving towards the future, in line with both national and global trends of autonomous transport and artificial intelligence, believing that investment in such technologies is an essential for achieving transformative change across various aspects of life.” “The primary objective of true innovation is to create a significant influence on individuals' lives by developing safer and more sustainable transportation systems, fostering knowledge-based economic opportunities, and enhancing the efficiency and prosperity of urban areas," added His Highness Sheikh Saud emphasized that the initiative is in line with the UAE's national strategy to establish a sustainable digital economy grounded in knowledge and technology. H.H. further clarified that Ras Al Khaimah plays an integral role in the UAE’s ambitious national vision which focuses on future investments and prioritizes sustainability and innovation. He confirmed that the launch of this trial represents an initial step in a lengthy journey towards the establishment of fully smart cities and more advanced communities. Moreover, His Highness underscored Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to ongoing investment in innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, thereby solidifying its global standing on the smart cities map and contributing to shaping the future of smart mobility while working on developing a practical model for future cities. Sheikh Saud also observed the signing of two strategic agreements: the first between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and WeRide, and the second between the authority and Marjan, the master developer of freehold projects in the emirate. Both agreements are designed to enhance cooperation in the development of future transport solutions. The event took place in the presence of senior officials at the Movenpick Resort on Al Marjan Island. The first agreement was signed by Eng. Esmaeel Hassan Alblooshi, Director-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, and Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International Affairs at WeRide. Eng. Alblooshi and Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan, signed the other one. The first agreement is a culmination of Sheikh Saud’s successful visit to WeRide’s headquarters in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, last November, during which Ras Al Khaimah entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with the province. The initiation of the autonomous bus trial on Al Marjan Island represents a crucial advancement in Ras Al Khaimah's efforts to establish a smart and sustainable urban mobility framework driven by artificial intelligence, thereby strengthening the emirate's status as a regional center for intelligent transportation and forward-thinking tourism.