The taxi pulls up to the kerb, attracting a number of spectators who snap photos as I hop in the front. Out of habit, I turn to greet the driver - and find an empty seat.
The ride from my hotel to the state capitol in Atlanta, Georgia, is surprisingly uneventful, apart from the fact that the car is one of a handful of Waymo driverless vehicles operating on the city's busy streets.
On exiting the car, I make sure to give the driver a five-star rating.
After decades of existing only in science fiction, autonomous vehicles are finally having a moment in several cities throughout the world - but will they ever be a dominant mode of transport? That question is causing ample discussion among researchers, economists and elected officials.
In Washington, home of The National's US bureau, fully autonomous vehicles are not yet street legal. But Atlanta, along with Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco and Austin, has approved Waymo's self-driving vehicles to operate on city roads. Waymo started as a Google research endeavour in 2009, but currently operates as a subsidiary of Google owner Alphabet.
Ordering the driverless vehicle was surprisingly easy: I simply opened the Uber app, updated the settings to allow for a pick-up by a Waymo self-driving vehicle, and then booked a ride.
The company's Jaguar I-Pace is a quiet vehicle, but far from subtle. That's largely due to the Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) sensor rotating on the top of the car, and several others on other parts of the vehicle.
Despite piquing the interest of Atlanta passers-by, it has not exactly been an autonomous vehicle free-for-all in the city, or other places the vehicles are available.
For Waymo, different cities come with different issues. In Atlanta and Austin, you need to use the Uber app to ride in Waymo's vehicles, but in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles, you can use the Waymo app. Using the Uber app, you can't specifically request an autonomous ride, but only have to the possibility of being assigned one.
The distances that the self-driving cars can travel are often limited. In Atlanta, for example, Waymo operations are limited to within 104km of the city. In addition, out of an abundance of caution, for the most part, Waymo vehicles do not go on motorways.
Srinivas Peeta has spent much of his life researching the promises and potential pitfalls of autonomous technology. He says that although the market finally seems to be at a tipping point for autonomous adoption, there is still a lot of work to be done.
"The question that comes up is when they're faced with situations that they haven't encountered previously," Mr Peeta, director of Georgia Tech's autonomous and connected transport lab, told The National.
In some instances, Mr Peeta said that humans are still able to adapt to various road conditions in ways that autonomous vehicles cannot.
He pointed out that in many of the cities where Waymo currently exists, the weather tends to be relatively stable - and that's no accident. Rain, snow and ice could expose some of the shortcomings of autonomous technology.
"There are conditions that a human driver, will be able to intuitively process and respond to things, but these autonomous systems may be challenged because they're not trained in terms of the data that they have," Mr Peeta said, adding that he expects the systems to improve over time once testing and vehicle availability increases.
There may be a learning curve in places where the climate is more volatile. It also remains to be seen exactly when autonomous vehicles will be allowed to operate on motorways, where safety becomes even more of a factor given the higher speeds.
As autonomous technology is increasingly tested in more places, Mr Peeta said that for every step forward, we should expect a few steps back, largely due to a chasm in consumer assumptions and inevitable problems that might arise.
"There's an underlying expectation that these autonomous systems were going to replace human drivers," he said. "If that's the case, then they should do so at least to the same level as human drivers."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a little more than 39,000 traffic fatalities in the US last year, so there is clearly the opportunity for autonomous vehicles to make things safer by taking out the human element.
Yet despite recent technological advances, coupled with initial statistics showing a major improvement in safety, there is still a ways to go in terms of convincing people to get inside and go for a ride in an autonomous vehicle.
In 2025, only 13 per cent of US drivers said they trust self-driving vehicles, according to polling from the American Automobile Association - a slight increase from the survey results last year which showed 9 per cent of drivers trusted the technology.
The survey also indicated that 53 per cent said that they would not choose to take a ride in autonomous vehicles, though those falling in the Millennial and Generation X age groups seemed more open to the idea.
Public perception of driverless vehicle safety has proven to be incredibly sensitive to various incidents, although incidents have been rare.
In 2023, two Cruise autonomous vehicles were reported to have malfunctioned and temporarily blocked emergency response vehicles from transporting a patient. Cruise, a subsidiary operated by General Motors, also came under heavy criticism for discrepancies in how the company reported a crash in which an autonomous vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian.
Non-fatal glitches have also dominated headlines in the past. One Waymo rider in Phoenix had to call for help when his vehicle refused to exit a roundabout.
Frank McCleary, of the Arthur D Little consulting company, said that despite statistics showing driverless technology is growing ever safer, there is a lingering stigma against rapid adoption.
"I talk to a lot of original equipment manufacturers, and a lot of it is just a matter of getting butts in seats," he said. "You've got to get over that hump that this is a car without a human driver and people need to become comfortable with that."
And consumer perception and technology are not even the biggest obstacle holding back autonomous vehicles from taking over transport. Basic economics have also proven to be a major hurdle.
Mr McCleary said that from a rideshare perspective, the costs of an autonomous vehicle are still too high.
"You're essentially talking about a finished vehicle that'll cost you somewhere between $40,000 and $60,000 and then you're adding an entire technology suite with integration batteries and everything else to run that beyond whatever auxiliary power you may need," he explained to The National, cautioning that while the costs will eventually come down, it might take longer than many realise.
"That's really the challenge that needs to be overcome in the midterm."
Ultimately, the biggest factor in determining whether or not autonomous vehicles become the new normal is us.
"I have to say, it's pretty intriguing," Nia Roberts of Atlanta told The National as she watched one of Waymo's autonomous vehicles dropped off several riders. "I keep wanting to ask people what it's like riding in it."
Ms Roberts said that although Waymo has been available in Atlanta since June, she still hasn't used one.
"I do plan to try it eventually, but I don't think I'm going to make it a consistent part of my day," she explained, adding that while the technology is incredible, there's still a "weirdness" factor when she sees Waymo vehicles on the road.
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
Masters%20of%20the%20Air
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A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
Where to buy
Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on Palestine-Israeli relations
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
More on animal trafficking
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
The%20Killer
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THE BIO
Age: 33
Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill
Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.
Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?
Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
McIlroy's struggles in 2016/17
European Tour: 6 events, 16 rounds, 5 cuts, 0 wins, 3 top-10s, 4 top-25s, 72,5567 points, ranked 16th
PGA Tour: 8 events, 26 rounds, 6 cuts, 0 wins, 4 top-10s, 5 top-25s, 526 points, ranked 71st
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More on animal trafficking
England-South Africa Test series
1st Test England win by 211 runs at Lord's, London
2nd Test South Africa win by 340 runs at Trent Bridge, Nottingham
3rd Test July 27-31 at The Oval, London
4th Test August 4-8 at Old Trafford, Manchester
Greatest Royal Rumble results
John Cena pinned Triple H in a singles match
Cedric Alexander retained the WWE Cruiserweight title against Kalisto
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt win the Raw Tag Team titles against Cesaro and Sheamus
Jeff Hardy retained the United States title against Jinder Mahal
Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos
Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental title against The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe
AJ Styles remains WWE World Heavyweight champion after he and Shinsuke Nakamura are both counted out
The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match
Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last
PROFILE OF STARZPLAY
Date started: 2014
Founders: Maaz Sheikh, Danny Bates
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment/Streaming Video On Demand
Number of employees: 125
Investors/Investment amount: $125 million. Major investors include Starz/Lionsgate, State Street, SEQ and Delta Partners
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 0
Manchester City 2
Bernardo Silva 54', Sane 66'
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
'Jurassic%20World%20Dominion'
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RACE RESULTS
1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1hr 21min 48.527sec
2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) at 0.658sec
3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) 6.012
4. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 7.430
5. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Ferrari) 20.370
6. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) 1:13.160
7. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Force India) 1 lap
8. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India) 1 lap
9. Felipe Massa (BRA/Williams) 1 lap
10. Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams) 1 lap
11. Jolyon Palmer (GBR/Renault) 1 lap
12. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren) 1 lap
13. Nico Hülkenberg (GER/Renault) 1 lap
14. Pascal Wehrlein (GER/Sauber) 1 lap
15. Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber) 2 laps
16. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso) 3 laps
