In line with the Year of the Community 2025, Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) has launched the Smart Mobility Data Lab in partnership with the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), a pioneering initiative dedicated to creating data-driven and AI-powered mobility solutions that support smart and sustainable transport across the Emirate.
The Data Lab will serve as a collaborative platform connecting AURAK’s academic capabilities with RAKTA’s operational expertise. Through this initiative, students and faculty will work directly with engineers and planners to develop and test innovative transportation technologies.
This launch follows the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between RAKTA and AURAK, which aims to deepen cooperation in research and innovation to support Ras Al Khaimah Vision 2030 and RAKTA’s Strategic Plan 2030.
The lab will support twelve cutting-edge initiatives, including autonomous vehicle integration, predictive maintenance, urban planning simulation, and AI-based crowd management, among others.
H.E. Eng. Esmaeel Hassan Al Blooshi, Director General of RAKTA, stated:“The launch of the Data Lab reflects our ongoing commitment to using innovation and advanced technologies to shape the future of transportation. This initiative will accelerate our progress toward smart, efficient, and eco-friendly mobility systems.”
Dr. David Andrew Schmidt, President of AURAK, added:“We are proud to collaborate with RAKTA in launching this visionary project. The Data Lab offers our students invaluable opportunities to apply their knowledge in impactful, real-world scenarios that support Ras Al Khaimah’s development.”
Beyond research and development, the lab will host hackathons, prototype testing, and joint innovation programs—further enhancing the quality of transport services, lowering emissions, and strengthening operational efficiency. This initiative stands as a testament to RAKTA’s commitment to investing in the future of mobility while empowering the next generation of innovators.
