Advancing Intelligent Transportation: Insights from the China-MENA Conference 2024 in Dubai

The China-MENA Intelligent Transportation Development and Cooperation Conference 2024 took place on September 18 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. Sponsored by the China Intelligent Transportation Association and supported by Vision Sync Management Services Ltd (UAE), the event gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators in intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Over 100 leading ITS companies attended in person, with over 4,000 joining via live online broadcast, marking significant global interest in intelligent transportation solutions. The conference covered diverse focus areas such as Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure, Smart New Energy Vehicles, and Urban and Industrial Mobility and Logistics Smart Platforms.

Keynote Addresses and Discussions

The conference began with a hosted speech that set the stage for insightful discussions and networking. Leaders from China’s Ministry of Science and Technology Ministry of Transport, as well as representatives from the UAE, Oman, and Iran, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in advancing intelligent transportation.  Mr. Li Zhaochen, Chairman of the China Intelligent Transporation Association, discussed China’s intelligent transportation industry’s current status and future trends, highlighting collaboration opportunities with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Experts explored development trends in urban intelligent transportation technologies and their applications in the MENA region, including smart city planning, Vehicle information security, and AI-driven parking solutions.

Innovations in Intelligent Transportation

The conference also served as a platform to showcase the latest advancements in new energy vehicles. These included unmanned autonomous logistics vehicles and solar-powered motorcycles, demonstrating the breadth of innovation in the field. Discussions also delved into hydrogen energy ecosystems and their role in sustainable transportation. Representatives from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iman, and Iran presented smart transportation projects and invited partnerships, signaling a strong intent for regional collaboration.

Furthermore, companies like WeRide, OneRoad Group, and the China-UAE Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Park shared their successful experiences in the Middle East market, providing valuable insights into market entry strategies and operational excellence. The conference concluded with a strong call for participants to join forces and work towards integrated end-to-end intelligent transportation solutions. The aim is to establish a long-term mechanism for win-win cooperation in the ITS industry, fostering innovation and growth across regions.

Following the conference, the Chinese suppliers introduced advanced technologies across several business areas. In Intelligent Solutions for Logistics Parks, they presented Intelligent Management Systems, New-Energy Logistics Vehicles- including unmanned vehicles- Charging Facilities for new-energy logistics vehicles, Parking and Traffic Flow Management solutions, and Automated Warehousing Systems. For Vehicle Provision aimed at Ride-Hailing, Taxi, and Logistics Companies, the focus is on developing refurbished electric vehicles, building supporting auto parts and maintenance intelligent services, and expanding into customized electric vehicles in the future. Additionally, the services for municipalities or designated companies include the development and construction of smart parking lots, the sale of electric cars while promoting the development of charging infrastructure, and the provision of new power supply solutions for charging stations through distributed solar and hydrogen energy generation. These initiatives reflect a commitment to advancing intelligent transportation systems and sustainable practices in the region.

Challenges and Opportunities in Iran

During the conference, Dr. Shahab Khodamoradi, the head of Smartification of Transportation within the President Technology Office, and Cyrus Razzaghi, the president and CEO of Ara Enterprise, a private consulting firm operating in Turkey, Iran, and the UA, addressed attendees at the ITS China-MENA event. They emphasized the critical need for Intelligent Transportation Systems in Iran, which faces significant challenges due to its diverse geography, pollution, and vulnerability to natural disasters. Mr. Razzaghi highlighted that Iran has the second-largest population in the region and has over 15 million daily trips to its capital, Tehran. He pointed out that while the country possesses developed infrastructure, it lacks smart connectivity and efficient management systems. The impact of U.S. sanctions has hindered the growth of ITS and other industries, yet he noted opportunities for foreign investment and collaboration, particularly with China and regional partners. He presented alarming statistics on road safety, indicating that casualties in Iran are comparable to those in the European Union, underscoring the urgent need for smart infrastructure improvements.

Snapp: A Case Study in Tech Innovation

Finally, Mahmud Fouz, the founder of Snapp, presented a speech at the event, highlighting Snapp as Iran’s largest tech company and a leading super app. Founded in 2014, Snapp began as a ride-hailing service and has since evolved into a comprehensive platform offering various services, including food delivery, grocery shopping, hotel bookings, and telemedicine. With up to 5 million rides daily and 46 million users, Snapp has become essential for nearly half of Iran’s population. The app is profitable and serves as a significant employer in the tech sector, with around 7,000 employees. Fouz emphasized the challenges posed by sanctions that hindered collaboration with American companies. This led Snapp to build its infrastructure independently, including developing its navigation system when access to Google Maps was restricted.