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Dubai is continuing its drive to become one of the most advanced cities in the world when it comes to transportation.

As well as pioneering the use of taxi drones, the metropolis is also looking at extending communications technology in standard cars.

Under new plans, digital licence plates could be fitted to cars in order to automatically inform the emergency services in case of an accident.

The plates would be connected to GPS transmitters inside the car and inform not only emergency services and the police in the event of an accident, but also other road users to warn them of traffic disruption.

(Image: AFP)

Sultan Abdullah al-Marzouqi, the head of the Vehicle Licensing Department at Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said that the plates will make life easier for drivers in Dubai.

Automatic parking fine payment

The digital number plates would be synced up to a user's account so that any outstanding parking fees, road fines or licence plate renewals would be automatically deducted.

The plates could also change to display a special alert or some other form of warning if they're stolen.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

It's not clear how much the plates will cost, but according to Sultan Abdullah, they are currently being tested. The trial is set to run until November and will find out how the technology works with Dubai's desert climate.

Naturally, there are some privacy concerns as the plates could possibly be used by the authorities to track drivers.

Dubai's drone taxis

(Image: Volocopter)

How do you feel about cruising above the traffic in a flying taxi?

The sci-fi dream could become a reality after one company successfully launched a prototype "flying taxi" into the air at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

The Volocopter is an 18-rotor vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) craft that can fly for up to half and hour.

Investors in Dubai are hoping to bring the craft, which resembles a helicopter, into service as early as 2020.