Video: RTA's virtual assistant is here to help UAE residents

Mahboub can communicate in both Arabic and English.

Do you want to know how to acquire a driver's license or renew your vehicle registration in Dubai? Or, are you planning your commute from home to the mall or any other city destination? Then, ask Mahboub.
Mahboub, an Arabic male name which means "the liked good" in English, is the newly-launched chatbot or virtual assistant of the Roads and Transport Authority.
A chatbot is an interactive tool which uses artificial intelligence to conduct a conversation via auditory or textual means.

Meet Mahboub, your new best friend on the road. Whatever question you have in mind he is prepared and ready to answer. Chat with him now: https://t.co/OuTQlDLinJ. pic.twitter.com/Yug7cvg12C
- RTA (@RTA_Dubai) September 24, 2018

Mahboub can communicate in both Arabic and English, simulating how an RTA human customer service agent would behave as a conversational partner when asked for relevant information.
Just log on to www.rta.ae and Mahboub can answer your question on Metro, Tram and marine transport timings; how to apply for and top-up Nol cards; plan your journey and get information on taxis and public buses; how to apply, amend, renew or replace driving license; how to renew or change vehicle ownership; information on public parking availability; and any other relevant transport and mobility inquiries.
Before beginning a conversation it would first ask for your contact information which would include the person's name, mobile number and email.
Mahboub uses natural language processing systems but would require you to be more specific in your questions - for example when asking for Metro timings, Mahboub would ask if it's Red or Green Line and from which station you are headed.
Mahboub can help you plan your journey and can tell the travel time from your point of origin to your destination in real time.
With the correct input, Mahboub would reply with the most matching keywords or wording pattern and provide details, in a wink of an eye, from the RTA database.
Here's sample conversation with Khaleej Times:
"How do I apply for a driver's license?"
Mahboub replied: "Let me walk you through the process of applying for a UAE Driving License. To apply for a driving license, you must have:
A valid Emirates ID
A valid residency visa issued from Dubai
In case if your visa was issued from another Emirate then a proof of living and working in Dubai is required.
If you are a first-time driver, visit any driving institute with the above mentioned required documents to open a traffic file and start your training.
After completing your training, passing your driving tests and settling all payments, you will receive your driving license card."
Mahboub would also list all the important information, including the fees, discounts and required documents, for example, when applying for a driving license.
Mahboub also said that he is still learning new topics and if more details are needed, he will refer you to an RTA specialist. An RTA spokesperson said more details of Mahboub will be revealed during the upcoming Gitex Tech Week in October.
Rammas: DEWA's virtual assistant
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority is the first government organisation to launch an online chatbot in both Arabic and English.
Called Rammas, the virtual assistant was launched in the first quarter of 2017, to communicate with DEWA customers and respond to their enquiries. Rammas is available 24/7 on DEWA's smart application, which is available on iOS, Android platforms, DEWA's website, Facebook page, Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant.
angel@khaleejtimes.com