Dubai is taking another leap toward the future of urban transport. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has signed a key partnership with Pony.ai, a global autonomous driving technology company, to begin driverless vehicle trials in the emirate later this year.
The move marks a major step in Dubai’s journey towards a more sustainable, smart, and connected mobility future, with plans to launch full commercial autonomous taxi services by 2026.
Pony.ai’s autonomous vehicles are powered by AI algorithms and a high-tech sensor suite that includes lidars, radars, and cameras, ensuring safe and precise navigation in various road and weather conditions. The company has also established partnerships with leading technology firms such as Tencent and Alibaba to integrate the driverless taxi services into platforms like WeChat and Alipay.
Officials noted that this step is a major boost for Dubai's 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.
The trials are part of Dubai’s broader commitment to smart mobility and sustainability, and follow the recent successful test of aerial taxis.