Dubai opens registration for self-driving transport challenge with $1.2m prize pool
Global innovators invited to design next-generation autonomous mobility and connected systems
DUBAI – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has opened registration for the fifth edition of the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport 2027.
The initiative, themed “Smart Integrated Infrastructure,” marks a renewed push to accelerate autonomous mobility solutions on a global scale.
The challenge offers a total prize pool of USD $1.2 million, aimed at attracting leading innovators, technology providers, research bodies, and academic institutions. Registration is now live via the official challenge platform, inviting participants to present scalable solutions that advance intelligent transport systems and autonomous mobility integration. Finalists will be announced in November 2026, while winners will be revealed at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport in September 2027.
Self-Driving Transport challenge
The competition is open to solution providers offering market-ready autonomous technologies as well as local academic institutions and research entities. Participants may enter individually or form consortia combining multiple organisations to deliver integrated smart mobility frameworks. The focus is on developing practical, deployable systems that can operate within complex urban transport environments.
Applicants are encouraged to explore a range of use cases including vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity, predictive traffic systems, automated valet parking, emergency vehicle prioritisation, and vulnerable road user safety. Additional innovative concepts are also permitted, provided they align with the overarching theme of intelligent, connected infrastructure.
Smart focus
This edition places strong emphasis on “Smart Integrated Infrastructure,” designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability across transport networks. Solutions are expected to strengthen real-time communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and users through advanced digital ecosystems. Technologies such as green light optimal speed advisory systems, vehicle platooning, in-vehicle signage, and autonomous digital payment solutions are among the targeted innovations.
The framework aims to support seamless mobility experiences through deeper Vehicle-to-Everything integration, enabling transport systems to anticipate conditions, reduce congestion, and improve operational performance.
Dubai World Challenge
According to Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency and Head of the Dubai World Challenge team, the initiative plays a key role in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in autonomous transport innovation. He highlighted that the challenge aligns with the emirate’s ambition to convert 25 percent of all mobility journeys into self-driving trips by 2030.
Since its launch, the programme has evolved into a global platform connecting industry leaders, researchers, and technology developers to accelerate practical autonomous transport solutions. The fifth edition continues this trajectory, with shortlisted finalists set to be announced in late 2026 ahead of the final showcase and awards ceremony in 2027.