Dubai has opened its roads to the next generation of transport, granting Baidu’s Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai permits to conduct autonomous vehicle trials across the emirate.
The move marks a significant step in the city’s ambition to become a global leader in smart mobility.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will oversee on-road testing, ensuring the vehicles operate safely and adapt to Dubai’s urban environment. The trials build on agreements signed earlier this year, enabling the companies to deploy fleets for live testing in line with the emirate’s autonomous transport roadmap.
Through these collaborations, RTA and the companies aim to co-develop global benchmarks for autonomous mobility. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to integrate cutting-edge technology into public transport while enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
The program is part of Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which targets converting 25% of all trips in the emirate into autonomous journeys by 2030. By partnering with leading international autonomous mobility firms, the emirate is reinforcing its position as a pioneer in urban innovation.
The RTA emphasized that all tests and operations will adhere to stringent safety and regulatory standards, ensuring that autonomous vehicles complement the existing public transport ecosystem while providing insights for future smart mobility solutions.
Dubai’s move reflects a growing global trend toward autonomous transport, positioning the city as a hub for innovation and a testing ground for technology that could redefine urban mobility worldwide.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
