Dubai's roadways are inspected for damage using laser technology
Dubai's transport authorities are zeroing in on a more precise method of gauging the state of the emirate's roadways to better serve drivers.
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Highways are being mapped with state-of-the-art laser sensors mounted on Roads and Transport Authority patrol cars to identify damage that needs fixing, such as cracks, potholes, and asphalt that has become loose.
As a result of this approach, the amount of time spent on road inspections in the field has been drastically cut down.
The information acquired from these inspections is used to prioritise repairs and upkeep to the roads that are in the worst shape.
The RTA's head of traffic and roads, Maitha bin Adai, recently stated that cutting-edge technology was crucial to improving productivity and security on the roadways.
According to Ms. bin Adai, "it aids in keeping tabs on and inspecting paving layers for all types of roads, as well as recording the current condition and identifying damages that occur in the paving layers during the operational cycle of paving, including data relating to the date of construction, operational status, and maintenance procedures."
Although UAE roads are designed to withstand the region's weather, the country's scorching summers and heavy traffic eventually wear them out.
The RTA consistently performs upkeep on the system.
The major thoroughfares of Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, and Dubai-Al Ain Road have all undergone refurbishment projects.
Technology is what's pushing us forward.
The RTA is making strides to modernise its operations by increasing its use of technology.
To aid in carbon emission reduction and further the emirate's self-driving transport aims, it was revealed last week that Dubai's first autonomous electric wooden abra had taken to the waterways.
As a trial run, the refurbished ship has set sail from Al Jadaf Station to Festival City Station on Dubai Creek.
The eight-seater abra was built at the Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre, which is part of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.
The concept aspires to incorporate a transport vision of the future while maintaining the classic appearance of the iconic boats that are still a common sight on Dubai Creek.
To further ambitious ambitions for the deployment of autonomous public transit in the emirate, a fleet of five electric cars mapped the roads of Dubai in April.
Chevrolet Bolts were driven around Jumeirah 1 to observe and record traffic patterns, road signs, and driver behaviour as part of a research project.
The widespread use of autonomous vehicles is expected to drastically reduce traffic collisions.
Four thousand fully autonomous taxis are scheduled to hit the streets of Dubai by the year 2030.
Twenty-five percent of all trips in Dubai are expected to be made by autonomous vehicles by the beginning of the next decade.