An innovative cable-car style transport network has been unveiled at a business hub in Sharjah.
The first phase of the project, known as SkyWay, will involve the construction of three hanging test tracks for the cutting-edge design.
Developers regard the technology as part of a comprehensive plan to transform the city of Sharjah into a “sustainable, futuristic” metropolis.
The initial test phase of the project is under way at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park.
“SRTIP hosts one of the biggest and most developed scientific research centres of smart transport in the world,” a statement from the UAE government’s news agency Wam said.
“Efforts are on to develop modern concepts for urban transportation where technology is being developed and tested in Sharjah before it is marketed on a global scale.”
On Saturday, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the launch of the experimental phase of the unicar.
The system features a suspended, driverless sky pod capable of carrying people and cargo along a set track.
Belarus engineering company SkyWay GreenTech has begun construction of the test tracks.
Each of their pods is air-conditioned and can be reconfigured depending on passenger needs.
In February, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed prototypes of the pods together with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, at the World Government Summit.
With a focus on expanding public transport, Dubai is aiming to convert 25 per cent of all journeys in the city into trips using autonomous transport systems by 2030.
