Dubai will begin self-driving vehicle trials in 2025 with tech partner Pony.ai, aiming to launch a full robotaxi service by 2026. The move supports Dubai’s goal of making 25% of city trips autonomous by 2030. The advanced cars will feature AI, sensors, and cameras, and connect with apps like WeChat and Alipay for seamless booking.
Dubai is getting ready to start testing self-driving cars on its roads as part of a big move to change how people travel in the city. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a new agreement with Pony.ai, a world leader in self-driving technology. The goal is to begin trial runs of driverless cars in late 2025 and launch a fully working driverless taxi service by 2026.
This step is part of Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all trips in the city driverless by 2030. The plan will help reduce traffic, increase safety, and make transportation smoother and more advanced.
Pony.ai will use its newest, seventh-generation self-driving vehicle, which it built together with big car companies like Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. These cars will be equipped with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) systems to help them drive safely without a human.
The vehicles will also have a full set of smart tools to help them understand the road. This includes:
All of these tools work together to help the car "see" the road, other cars, and people clearly—even in busy or difficult conditions.
Pony.ai is also teaming up with big tech companies like Tencent and Alibaba to connect their robotaxi service to popular apps such as WeChat and Alipay. This means that in the future, people may be able to book a self-driving car using the same apps they already use every day. This step will make traveling easier and faster for many users.
