Dubai: Expect driverless ride sooner; RTA aims for 25% of trips to be autonomous by 2030

Dubai is gearing up to bring self-driving cars to its roads, with the emirate taking another step on the way before begining the pilot trials of autonomous vehicles later this year.

The initiative marks a major step toward launching a fully driverless commercial service in 2026.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pony.ai, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, to spearhead the pilot programme in the emirate.

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Pony.ai, which has developed its seventh-generation autonomous vehicles in collaboration with major automotive giants including Toyota, GAC, and BAIC, brings advanced artificial intelligence systems and a robust sensor suite—comprising lidars, radars, and cameras—to ensure safe and accurate navigation under diverse road and weather conditions.

The company has also teamed up with tech powerhouses like Tencent and Alibaba to integrate its robotaxi services into everyday digital platforms such as WeChat and Alipay, aiming for seamless access to smart mobility solutions.

The upcoming trials are part of Dubai’s broader strategy to become a global leader in smart mobility and sustainable transport.

Significant step

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated that the RTA’s ongoing efforts to expand partnerships with leading global companies in autonomous mobility represent a significant step toward realising the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy.

The strategy aims to convert 25 per cent of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys across various modes of transport by 2030.

He said, “The operation of autonomous taxis contributes to the integration of transport systems by facilitating the movement of public transport users and improving access to their final destinations in line with the first and last-mile strategy. Operating autonomous taxis will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in Dubai, improve road safety, and offer greater convenience in daily mobility across the emirate.”

“Autonomous mobility has become a present reality. Leading global companies are accelerating the development of technologies and software that power autonomous vehicles, while governments—through the relevant licensing and regulatory authorities—are working to provide the necessary infrastructure and establish the legislative and regulatory frameworks required to enable their operation,” added Al Tayer.

Intelligent transportation

Pony.ai CFO Dr Leo Wang highlighted the regional significance of the partnership.

"The collaboration with Dubai RTA exemplifies our commitment to deploying Level 4 autonomous technology in strategic global markets. By aligning our technological capabilities with RTA's visionary leadership, we're establishing foundational standards for intelligent transportation ecosystems across the MENA region,” added Wang.

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