Bayanat and IMKAN Properties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a smart mobility infrastructure project on SHA Island Emirates at AlJurf. The project will feature an integrated and AI-enabled transportation ecosystem that allows for fully autonomous driving on the world's first healthy living island. Located in AlJurf, approximately halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the health- and wellness focused island, which will also be home to the SHA Wellness Clinic, aims to be highly autonomous with minimal reliance on manned vehicles.

While IMKAN Properties will be developing the project's physical infrastructure, Bayanat will provide the critical digital infrastructure for the operation of autonomous vehicles and unmanned systems, such as HD maps and HD positioning, as well as deploy its Smart Mobility Solutions (SMOS) in the form of its digital twin solutions, which makes vehicle autonomy on the island possible. Bayanat's digital twin technology will play a pivotal role in supporting IMKAN Properties' vision for SHA Island Emirates by providing an advanced virtual replica of the island's entire infrastructure. This technology will enable real-time monitoring and management of the autonomous transportation systems, ensuring seamless and efficient operations without human intervention.

Bayanat's digital Twin will facilitate predictive maintenance, optimize traffic flow, and enhance the safety and reliability of the autonomous vehicles. This integration not only supports the creation of a sustainable and autonomous transport network but also aligns with the island's commitment to health and wellness by promoting an autonomous vehicle environment. The MOU agreement was signed by Abdulla Al Shamsi, Chief Operating Officer of Bayanat and Suwadain AlDhaheri, CEO at IMKAN Properties at the Bayanat offices in the presence of IMKAN's Executive Management Team.

The joint development is not Bayanat's first autonomous driving project. In partnership with Abu Dhabi Mobility and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Bayanat launched the TXAI pilot in 2021. The project is the MENA region's first Level 4-enabled autonomous ride-hailing service.

Since the launch, the autonomous transportation fleet - encompassing Robo Taxis, Minibuses, and ART - has travelled over 500,000 kilometers and completed almost 16,000 rides. Beyond the joint infrastructure, the two partners will also closely collaborate on data privacy and sustainability efforts, as well as the design and implementation of necessary infrastructure modifications to support autonomous vehicle operations, encompassing areas such as charging stations, docking facilities, and communication networks, with provisions for concierge services, a key priority for IMKAN Properties residents.