Dubai to Test Self-Driving Taxis with Pony.ai for 2026 Launch
▼ Summary
– Dubai’s RTA signed a preliminary agreement with Pony.ai to pilot driverless vehicles by year-end, aiming for a full commercial rollout by 2026.
– The partnership aligns with Dubai’s goal to make 25% of all trips autonomous by 2030, enhancing road safety and mobility convenience.
– Pony.ai’s Level 4 autonomous vehicles use advanced AI and sensors, with over 25 million km of global autonomous driving experience.
– Dubai has tested autonomous transport since 2016, including shuttles, air taxis, and Expo 2020 showcases, alongside collaborations with firms like Cruise.
– The UAE is accelerating self-driving tech adoption, with Abu Dhabi testing autonomous taxis and local firms developing military and airport autonomous vehicles.
Dubai is gearing up to test autonomous taxis through a groundbreaking partnership with Chinese tech firm Pony.ai, marking a significant step toward its goal of making 25% of all trips driverless by 2030. The city’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently inked a preliminary deal with the Silicon Valley and Guangzhou-based company to begin pilot trials by year-end, with full commercial deployment expected by 2026.
The agreement, signed by RTA’s Public Transport Agency CEO Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan and Pony.ai VP Ann Shi, aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to lead in smart mobility. Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General, emphasized that self-driving taxis will enhance road safety, convenience, and connectivity to public transport networks. “Autonomous mobility is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s happening now,” he added.
Pony.ai brings cutting-edge technology to the table, including its seventh-generation autonomous platform developed with Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. Equipped with AI-driven navigation, lidar sensors, and advanced cameras, these vehicles are designed to handle diverse weather and traffic conditions. Dr. Leo Wang, Pony.ai’s CFO, noted the partnership underscores the company’s push for Level 4 autonomy, where cars operate independently within defined areas without human intervention.
Dubai has been a pioneer in testing self-driving solutions, from autonomous shuttles in Downtown Dubai to Volocopter’s air taxi trials in 2017. The RTA has also collaborated with GM’s Cruise to explore wider adoption of robotaxis. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has rolled out similar pilots on Yas and Saadiyat Islands through partnerships with Bayanat and WeRide.
The UAE’s embrace of autonomous technology extends beyond transport. Local firms are developing military-grade self-driving vehicles, while Emirates Group’s dnata is trialing autonomous ground handlers at airports. With this latest agreement, Dubai solidifies its reputation as a global hub for innovation in sustainable and efficient mobility. Though specific pilot locations remain undisclosed, the initiative signals the emirate’s readiness to redefine urban transportation.
(Source: The National)