CABINET APPROVES PLAN TO TEST SELF-DRIVING VEHICLES

▶ Meeting at Expo 2020 Dubai also approved changes to requirements for retirement visas

The UAE has approved a temporary licence to test self-driving vehicles on the country’s roads, after the plan was authorised by the Cabinet yesterday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said a request submitted by the Ministry of Interior to start testing autonomous vehicles was granted at a Cabinet meeting held at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The ministry will submit a report to the Cabinet for permanent approval in the future, if it adopts the technology in co-ordination with relevant authorities, Sheikh Mohammed said.

“The UAE will be the first country in the Middle East and the second globally to test self-driving cars on its streets,” Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

“Our goal is for this type of vehicle to be safer, more secure and more reliable. We are co-ordinating with the Artificial Intelligence Office and awaiting the Ministry of Interior’s report about the tests’ results in order to take the appropriate decision.”

The testing process will be carried out through RegLab, an initiative by the General Secretariat of the Cabinet that provides a safe test environment for legislation that will govern the use and application of future technology.

The UAE plans to make 25 per cent of transport autonomous by 2030, a move that began in 2016. The Cabinet also approved amending requirements for granting residency to retired foreigners.

The UAE approved plans in 2018 for residents aged 55 or over to secure a five-year retirement visa, if they met certain requirements.

Under the new conditions approved by the Cabinet, non-citizens with at least one property worth Dh1 million ($272,300), or savings of no less than Dh1m, or an active annual income of at least Dh180,000, are eligible to apply for the visa.

“Retirees can continue their stay with us in the UAE,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“We welcome everyone in our country.”

In addition, the Cabinet approved plans to allow government entities to create their own development funds.

“The goal is to raise the productivity and flexibility of government work to achieve better results for the public,” Sheikh Mohammed said.