Dubai starts pilot projects for autonomous vehicles - revolution in traffic!

Dubai starts pilot projects for autonomous vehicles - revolution in traffic!

In the pulsating metropolis of Dubai, exciting times are imminent. On July 7, 2025, a milestone was published for the future of mobility: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with pony.ai to start pilot tests with autonomous vehicles. The tests are scheduled to begin this year and as early as 2026 a completely driverless commercial service could start. This is a further step on the way to implementing the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which provides that 25 % of all trips in the city should take place autonomously by 2030, such as [tradingView.com] (https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com, 2025-07-07:newsml_zaw6gnhhk:0-pony-ai-to-Launch-Autonomous-Vehicle-Pilot-in-dubai/) reports.

The latest generation of the autonomous vehicles from Pony.ai was developed in collaboration with well -known partners such as Toyota, GAC and Baic. They are equipped with advanced AI algorithms and use a variety of sensors-including Lidar, radar and cameras-to navigate safely and reliably. With the integration of robotaxi services in platforms such as Wechat and Alipay, Pony.ai shows that they also have an eye on the economic benefits of such technologies.

The protagonists of the partnership

The managers of both companies emphasized the importance of this partnership. Mattar Al Tayer, the general director of the RTA, underlined that the collaboration is crucial for the progress of the autonomous mobility efforts of Dubais. Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, and Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Pony.ai, also took part in the ceremony. These important actors are determined to make Dubai a pioneer in autonomous mobility, as well as [gulfnews.com] (https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/dubai-set-to-a-autonomous- vehicle-trials-ad-of-2026 rollout-1.500188529) white.

But it's not just about technological developments. A new law, which was introduced on April 6, 2023, ensures that the legal framework for autonomous vehicles in the VAE are clearly defined. Law No. 9 of 2023 comes into force on July 13, 2023 and offers a comprehensive framework for licensing, regulation and liability. The aim is to have around 4,000 autonomous vehicles in use by 2030 and at the same time ensure the safety and quality of the operation of these vehicles, according to the information from IgarR.com.

A look into the future

The goals are ambitious, but the strategies and partnerships that the VAE and Dubai have received in this regard make you look forward. With the aim of optimizing mobility and making road traffic safer, the region shows that it not only observes technological progress, but is actively shaped. The idea that the majority of the trips in Dubai will soon be autonomous is no longer just a dream of the future, but a tangible reality.

The coming months will be crucial if the pilot tests start and the Dubai residents will have the opportunity to experience the future of transport up close. With a strong legal foundation and the support of leading technology companies, Dubai seems to be on a promising path. We can be excited to see how the vision of the "Smart City" will develop in practice!