- Dubai’s RTA partners with Pony.ai to launch autonomous vehicle trials.
- Pilot program set to begin in 2025, with commercial rollout by 2026.
- Initiative supports Dubai’s goal of 25% autonomous transport by 2030.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has entered a pioneering partnership with self-driving technology firm Pony.ai to pilot autonomous vehicle operations in the emirate.
Pony.ai, a recognized innovator in autonomous driving systems, brings its latest seventh-generation vehicles equipped with AI-powered navigation, lidar, radar, and camera systems.
Dubai Drives Toward a Self-Driving Future with New RTA and Pony.ai Collaboration
The partnership is a strategic element of the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make one in every four journeys within the city autonomous by 2030. By embracing driverless technology, Dubai is laying the groundwork for a more connected and efficient transportation ecosystem, reducing congestion and environmental impact while enhancing commuter convenience.
RTA officials underscored the broader benefits of autonomous vehicles, particularly in enhancing first- and last-mile connectivity. This means easier transitions from public transit hubs to final destinations, especially for daily commuters and tourists. The strategy emphasizes integration over isolation—ensuring that autonomous vehicles complement rather than compete with existing transit systems.
Pony.ai’s international expansion into Dubai marks its first significant step outside the Asia-Pacific region. The company’s partnership with global automakers like Toyota and digital platforms such as WeChat and Alipay highlights its readiness to scale autonomous services in new markets. Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and regulatory foresight made it a natural choice for this pilot.
The MoU was formalized with participation from top executives of both entities, signaling the seriousness and long-term intent behind the partnership. By blending governance, innovation, and urban planning, Dubai positions itself not only as an adopter of smart mobility but also as a shaper of global standards for autonomous transport deployment.
Dubai’s initiative with Pony.ai signals more than a transport shift—it’s a glimpse into a smarter, safer, and more sustainable urban future.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X
