Bayanat unveils TXAI, the UAE's First Autonomous Taxis, at Abu Dhabi Smart City Summit

• TXAI is the first autonomous driving project executed on a public road in Abu Dhabi, bringing valuable experience and benefits to autonomous vehicles
• TXAI’s ride-sharing services’ trial will hit the streets of Yas Island in November 2021.

Abu Dhabi, UAE; November 24, 2021: Bayanat for Mapping and Surveying Service, a fast-growing Geospatial, Data Analytics, and AI company headquartered in the UAE, today at Abu Dhabi’s Smart City Summit, unveiled its new fleet of autonomous vehicles under the brand name, TXAI, representing the UAE’s first fully autonomous taxis. 

In March of 2021, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport partnered with Bayanat (A G42 company) to lead the development and application of autonomous vehicles. The partnership supports innovations in smart transport and is a step towards developing innovative mobility solutions

Bayanat is ready with the first set of autonomous vehicles as ride-sharing services to hit the streets in November 2021. Phase one will see five TXAI branded vehicles operating on Yas Island, transporting passengers between nine stops that include hotels, restaurants, shopping malls & offices. Phase two will include more TXAI vehicles in multiple locations across Abu Dhabi. Although the vehicles are driverless, a safety officer will be present in the driving seat during the trial phase.

Though the initial phase will solely focus on ride-serving taxi services, Bayanat is focused on building a technological ecosystem that will have multiple applications in the near future. This is the first L4-level autonomous driving trial in the entire MENA region. Based on the cutting-edge Autonomous Driving Algorithm, Bayanat developed the simulation system, operating system, big data platform, and monitoring system with an accuracy of less than one meter.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, stated that the UAE government is keen to develop the smart mobility sector and enhance its applications in the UAE, with the aim of facilitating the lives of its society members. HE referred to the decision adopted by the UAE Cabinet, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to start testing autonomous cars on the road, which will promote the future transport sector in the UAE.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama commended the initiative of the Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport and its partners, which represents an important milestone in supporting the UAE’s directions towards ensuring efficient and safe operation of this technology. He concluded by wishing all stakeholders success in their relentless efforts to develop a sustainable transport sector in the UAE.

His Excellency Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), said: "This project is one of the bold regional steps in employing accurate data-driven artificial intelligence techniques within the transport network, which is part of DMT and the Integrated Transport Centre's efforts to provide innovative services that contribute to enhancing the quality of life in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and strengthen its position globally as one of the best destinations to live, work and invest, by employing all smart and modern technologies in all vital sectors serving the community. "

H.E. added: "DMT is continuously working with its partners in Bayanat and Miral to test the safety of the vehicles, in addition to overseeing the operations to ensure that a state-of-the-art service is provided in a safe and distinctive manner, and to ensure compliance with the UAE traffic laws and regulations. "

Commenting on the announcement, Bayanat CEO Hasan Al Hosani said: “We’re incredibly proud to roll out TXAI today, leveraging Bayanat’s expertise in Geospatial and AI to usher a new generation of tech-forward transportation to the UAE. Bayanat has been strategically investing in different elements on the smart mobility value chain, including data, infrastructure, and MaaS, and we are committed to encouraging local and regional utilization of autonomous driving technology.”

We are confident that the technology behind TXAI has the potential to be transferable and successful in other venues, such as public transportation or for law enforcement. Leveraging HAPS & AI, our survey capability will allow us to expand this technology and service far beyond the borders of the UAE. Our culture of innovation at Bayanat will continue to predict, produce, and deliver on these breakthrough solutions of the future.” He added.

Bayanat has been working with various public and private partners, local and international, including the various authorities in UAE across a wide spectrum, including regulation, governance, logistics, software, hardware, data collection, data processing, and infrastructure.