RTA inks pact on self-driving vehicle pilot trials

  Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pony.ai, a leading company specialising in autonomous driving technologies, to commence pilot trials of autonomous vehicles in the emirate. The trials are scheduled to begin later this year, paving the way for the launch of a fully driverless commercial service in 2026. 

Pony.ai recently unveiled seventh generation of its autonomous vehicles jointly developed with major automotive manufacturers such as Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. 

The company’s vehicles are equipped with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, supported by a sophisticated suite of sensors, including lidars, radars, and cameras, to ensure precise navigation and safety across varying road and weather conditions. 

The company has also established partnerships with leading technology firms such as Tencent and Alibaba to integrate robotaxi mobility services into platforms like WeChat and Alipay. 

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, and Dr. Leo Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Pony.ai, attended the signing ceremony of the MoU between RTA and Pony.ai. 

The MoU was signed on behalf of RTA by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, and on behalf of Pony.ai by Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, in the presence of several officials from both parties.

Advancing the Future of Smart Mobility 

Mattar Al Tayer applauded the signing of the MoU with Pony.ai, emphasising that the partnership would support Dubai’s ongoing efforts to adopt autonomous mobility solutions and reinforce its global leadership in future mobility. He also expressed appreciation for the company’s decision to choose Dubai as its global platform for expanding operations beyond China.

Al Tayer added: “RTA’s continued expansion of partnerships with leading global companies in the field of autonomous mobility marks a key step towards achieving the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys across various modes of transport by 2030. It underscores RTA’s commitment to working closely with global technology leaders to advance the future of smart, efficient, and sustainable mobility.” 

“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.”

Advancing Autonomous Driving Technologies 

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."