WORLD FIRST FOR DUBAI

Dubai is set to become home to the world’s first fleet of self-driving electric taxis.

Dubai’s Road & Transport Authority Director General and Chairman, HE Mattar Al Tayer, has signed an agreement to buy 200 Model S sedans and Model X SUVs from electric car maker Tesla, which is also due to open its first Middle East offices in the emirate.

Al Tayer said: “Tesla has been selected for its pioneering endeavours in the manufacturing of electric vehicles.

“The company is focused on improvement and creativity in autonomous driving as well as the storage of power. Last year, Tesla developed a hybrid system for generating and storing solar energy in Tesla vehicles, and broadened its scope to manufacture buses and heavy vehicles.”

Private customers can already visit the automaker’s online design studio to order Model S and Model X vehicles, the first of which are expected to be delivered in Dubai during the summer.

Tesla has established ‘Supercharging’ locations in Jebel Ali and in Masdar City, and has announced plans to open five additional locations by the end of the year.

Due to welcome its first customers in July is a Tesla service centre currently being built near Interchange 2 on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.