Ahmed Bahrozyan, chief executive of the Licensing Agency at Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, told this newspaper earlier this year that a "revolution in transportation" is underway. To that end, the emirate is expected to start safety testing 10-seater driverless shuttle buses next month. Such vehicles could operate relatively smoothly on segregated routes away from more conventional cars and trucks, although the transition to a mixed traffic environment – roads where autonomous, semi-autonomous and driven cars jostle for space – will prove more complicated and is one that "smart cities" around the world are wrestling with. Separately, several developers of passenger drones, also dubbed "flying taxis", have expressed an interest in operating in Dubai. Indeed, one of those companies began trials in September.
Driverless shuttle buses and passenger drones are on the frontline of that transportation revolution, but there remains an open question as to whether electric cars will see widespread uptake in the Gulf, a region that has traditionally embraced petrol-powered cars and, in particular, big, thirsty SUVs. Some suggest a "quiet revolution" is taking place, driven by near-silent electric cars. As The National reported, they are poised to be "the next big thing in the Middle East". Certainly, Tesla Motors has captured the public imagination with its Model S and Model X cars, both of which were on display at Dubai International Motor Show last month, although the models are still far from common sights on the UAE roads, despite the excitement that the brand has undoubtedly generated.
That might change by 2020, as a raft of incentives, including free public parking, Salik exemption and discounts on car registration fees, could help entice car buyers in Dubai and across the UAE to think electric. For the revolution to take a firmer hold, one suspects further incentives would have to be delivered, but what is interesting is that the scepticism that once surrounded the ability of EVs to operate in this region's extreme weather conditions has all but vanished. That fact alone suggests electric cars may well turn the tide in their favour.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Brief scoreline:
Liverpool 5
Keita 1', Mane 23', 66', Salah 45' 1, 83'
Huddersfield 0
The%20Boy%20and%20the%20Heron
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8 traditional Jamaican dishes to try at Kingston 21
- Trench Town Rock: Jamaican-style curry goat served in a pastry basket with a carrot and potato garnish
- Rock Steady Jerk Chicken: chicken marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked on the grill
- Mento Oxtail: flavoured oxtail stewed for five hours with herbs
- Ackee and salt fish: the national dish of Jamaica makes for a hearty breakfast
- Jamaican porridge: another breakfast favourite, can be made with peanut, cornmeal, banana and plantain
- Jamaican beef patty: a pastry with ground beef filling
- Hellshire Pon di Beach: Fresh fish with pickles
- Out of Many: traditional sweet potato pudding
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
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The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
More on animal trafficking
Company%20profile
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