Al Ghurair Motors has joined forces with the General Resources Authority (GRA) in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) to open the GCC’s first fully automated smart vehicle testing centre.
Situated in Al Qussaidat, RAK, the state-of-the-art testing centre is designed around a futuristic ‘Test & Go’ concept, enabling drivers to conduct vehicle tests in a surprisingly rapid six minutes.
Traditional vehicle testing in the region typically takes up to 12 minutes, but Al Ghurair Motors’ facility leans into automation to halve this duration. Smart machines, capable of conducting undercarriage and tyre inspections without human intervention, ensure a seamless and precise evaluation process, says Al Ghurair.
Pioneering Vehicle Testing Technology
The facility spans 1,400 square metres and features four dedicated testing lanes, capable of handling between 500 to 600 vehicle tests per day. This smart infrastructure integrates advanced automated services, including entrance kiosks, digital process management via integrated tablets, and VIP services for enhanced customer convenience.
Commenting on the launch, Oscar Rivoli, CEO of Al Ghurair Motors, said: “The Al Ghurair Vehicle Testing Centre represents a bold step forward in vehicle testing innovation, reflecting our commitment to raising industry standards in the UAE and beyond. We are proud to partner with the General Resources Authority in Ras Al Khaimah to introduce an innovative facility that not only ensures the safety and compliance of vehicles but also embodies the future of sustainable and smart vehicle testing.”
Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability
Designed to operate with minimal human intervention, the facility improves operational efficiency while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
Jamal Ahmed Al Tair, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Resources Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, highlighted the strategic significance of the initiative: “This initiative underscores our mission to drive innovation and sustainability in Ras Al Khaimah’s infrastructure. We are delighted to collaborate with Al Ghurair Motors in establishing a model centre that aligns with our vision of a smarter, greener future.”
The development of the centre follows the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Al Ghurair Motors and the Ras Al Khaimah Government in November 2023. Backed by the General Resources Authority and RAK Police, the facility incorporates fully automated testing systems to ensure compliance with stringent environmental regulations and safety standards.
A Model for Future Expansion
As part of Al Ghurair Motors’ long-term strategy, the company aims to expand this innovative smart testing model across the UAE, setting new benchmarks in the automotive inspection landscape. The centre’s prime location in RAK ensures convenient access for residents and vehicle owners, offering a full spectrum of vehicle testing and registration services.
The project’s design has been influenced by global best practices, following a visit by GRA and RAK Police representatives to VTEQ facilities in Spain. Insights from international leaders in automated vehicle testing were incorporated into the centre’s development, resulting in a pioneering digital control architecture and an advanced inspection tracking system fully compatible with leading vehicle inspection software.
With this launch, Al Ghurair Motors and the General Resources Authority are shaping the future of vehicle testing in the UAE, reinforcing the country’s commitment to smart mobility and sustainable automotive solutions.
