This summer, commuters may have another option for moving around Dubai as a pilotless drone is prepared to shuttle passengers around the city.
The Ehang 184 passenger drone will be the world's first passenger drone in operation this July if all goes as planned. Dezeen reports that Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority executive director Mattar al-Tayer announced plans at the World Government Summit to have the passenger-carrying drone begin flying across the city this summer. However, there are some limitations to the pilotless flights.
It can carry one passenger weighing up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and can stay airborne for 30 minutes on one charge....
There is no passenger override function, which means that anyone can travel in the drone without a pilot's license. However, this also means the user can't take control in an emergency.
The drone, developed by Chinese manufacturer Ehang, was first introduced last year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Arab News reports that the government of the United Arab Emirates is currently testing the drones. The flying passenger drone technology is part of a larger plan to make 25 percent of all trips in Dubai into driverless journeys by 2030, including the use of driverless minibuses and boats.
FULL STORY: Dubai to begin flying world's first passenger drone
COP28: Will Developed Nations Reduce Emissions?
Tensions between developed and developing nations surfaced over emissions and energy, with the former focused on reducing fossil fuels and the latter pointing to unrealized emissions reductions from the nations most responsible for global warming.
Largest Desalinated Water Reserve Ever Unveiled in Abu Dhabi
The UAE has created a storage facility under the desert that can provide up to 100 million liters per day in the event of an emergency.
Dubai to Offer Free Parking and Charging to Electric Car Drivers
A city famous for its oil money is implementing generous incentives for electric cars.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Opinion: California’s SB 79 Would Improve Housing Affordability and Transit Access
A proposed bill would legalize transit-oriented development statewide.
Record Temperatures Prompt Push for Environmental Justice Bills
Nevada legislators are proposing laws that would mandate heat mitigation measures to protect residents from the impacts of extreme heat.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
Pittsburgh’s office buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, are prime candidates for conversion to housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service