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Westwell and Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority partner to advance autonomous industrial transport
At an event hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, to launch the emirate’s Autonomous Mobility Framework and announce the Autonomous Vehicle Testing Zone Initiative, Westwell formally signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RAKTA, establishing a partnership to advance autonomous industrial transport solutions. Through this agreement, Westwell becomes an industry partner in the RAKTA Autonomous Vehicle Sandbox (RAKTA AV Sandbox) and the programme’s first partner for autonomous terminal trucks.
During the event, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, made a special visit to Westwell’s exhibition area, where the company showcased its Q-Truck autonomous truck technology.
In recent years, the UAE has continued to advance the development of artificial intelligence, smart mobility and advanced logistics technologies, creating a favourable environment for the innovation and deployment of autonomous driving technologies. The newly launched Framework for Autonomous Mobility is a strategic initiative by RAKTA which brings together three key elements – regulation, technology and operations – providing a structured environment for the exploration, testing and evaluation of autonomous driving technologies. A key pillar of the framework, the Autonomous Vehicle Sandbox, provides dedicated testing zones equipped with specialised facilities and routes, where trials and technical assessments can be conducted under conditions that simulate real-world operations.
The signing marks an important step forward for Westwell in contributing to the development of the UAE’s autonomous mobility ecosystem. The company plans to further strengthen collaboration with local regulatory authorities, industry partners and logistics operators to promote the deeper integration of autonomous driving technologies into real-world industrial applications. This partnership also lays a new foundation for Westwell to further expand its presence in the Middle East’s intelligent logistics and autonomous industrial transport markets.
As a global AI and intelligent logistics technology company, Westwell says it has identified the Middle East as a key region in its global expansion strategy. The company has established its regional headquarters in the UAE and continues to expand its presence across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
