Dubai touts tech prowess from flying taxis to robocops

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – From flying taxis to Batman-style surveillance motorcycles, Dubai's GITEX expo this week showcased innovations that were symbols of the city-state's ambitions to be a metropolis of the future. Known for its futuristic skyline and artificial islands, Gulf emirate Dubai has carved out a place alongside cities like Singapore as a hub for innovative ideas. At this year's 37th Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), which runs until Thursday, city authorities were keen to show off they remain on the cutting edge. The undisputed star of the expo, which has more than 4,000 companies from 71 countries participating, was Dubai's flying taxi project. Videos of the craft's first "concept" flight last month -- albeit without passengers -- generated widespread buzz on social media.