DUBAI, UAE — Dubai is preparing to launch its first fleet of “self-driving” taxis in 2023. Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who announced the plan in May, has set a target of 25% of Dubai journeys to be driverless by 2030.

In early June, the Dubai Municipality announced that its Department of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has started work on high-resolution digital maps to be used in self-driving vehicles.

Mariam al-Mheiri, former director of the GIS department and current director of engineering and planning for Dubai Municipality, told Al-Monitor that the maps will be “used by companies that provide specialized solutions for self-driving vehicles, which are expected to make up a high percentage of traffic in Dubai in the future.”

Mheiri added, “We are currently working at the GIS department in Dubai, in continuous coordination with partners and stakeholders, most notably the Dubai Roads and Public Transport Authority (RTA), to promote the principles of integration in the preparation of high-accuracy maps. This is to ensure their optimal implementation in accordance with specifications and standards and specific requirements, allowing map users to enjoy an optimal and unique experience.”