In line with UAE’s ambition to become the world’s smart mobility hub, Dubai South signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Evocargo to launch the country’s first autonomous vehicle trials for cargo at the master development’s Logistics District.

The tests, which will be carried out in the Logistics District of the development, are intended to assist Evocargo in observing its EVO.1 truck and reconfiguring it specifically for the Middle East and North Africa region, according to Dubai Media Office.

To monitor the vehicles, check the sensors’ serviceability, and spot any problems, a control center with a remote operator would be stationed on-site. 

Mohsen Ahmad, the founding CEO of Evocargo, and Andrey Bolshakov, the chief executive of Dubai South’s Logistics District, signed the MOU.

According to Ahmad, the trials are intended to create new international benchmarks and consolidate the leading standing of the country’s logistics sector. “Besides improving operational efficiency, our partnership will help scale supply chain operations and achieve sustainability,” Ahmad said.

According to the announcement, the EVO.1 has a lifting capability of 2,000 kilos and can carry up to six Euro-pallets traveling at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour for up to 200 kilometers. “This trial is a significant milestone for the company as it unlocks opportunities to expand our products in the strategic Middle Eastern and Asian markets,” Bolshakov said.

The UAE has taken several actions to put driverless services on its roadways. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are at the forefront of the transition to fully develop smart cities.

At Gitex Global this year, Dubai displayed its first driverless taxis, which would be deployed in limited numbers in 2023. 

Meanwhile, the UAE is also placed eighth in KPMG’s 2020 Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index, making it the third year in a row that the country has made the top 10.