Sheikh Hamdan opens Dubai World Self-Driving Transport Exhibition
Over 3,000 participants join global forum on transport innovation
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has inaugurated the Dubai World Self-Driving Transport Exhibition, organised by the Roads and Transport Authority.
The event was held in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
Speaking on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Dubai continues to strengthen its status as a global hub for innovation and future-driven technologies. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we are working to make Dubai the world’s most future-ready city, the best place to live and the fastest in adopting innovations that enhance quality of life.”
“The Self-Driving Transport Strategy is a key part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy and consolidate its global leadership across sectors. We have adopted an integrated approach that prioritises research and development, attracts investment, and embraces cutting-edge technologies to ensure Dubai remains at the forefront of global transformations, especially in the digital economy and emerging technology sectors such as artificial intelligence,” he added.
Self-Driving Transport Exhibition
The exhibition brought together 55 exhibitors, representing leading companies in autonomous mobility, robotics, and artificial intelligence, with a strong emphasis on smart and sustainable transport solutions. Among the highlights was the unveiling of TENSOR’s self-driving vehicles, showcased for the first time in the region. Chinese manufacturer XPENG displayed its autonomous aircraft, adding an aerial dimension to the future of transport.
The exhibition also included vehicles from five international consortia and participants in the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, underscoring Dubai’s role as a hub for technological trials. More than 3,000 attendees from across the globe and over 80 speakers, including government officials, researchers, and technology developers, contributed to the event.
How will pilot operations work?
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum were briefed on pilot operations of autonomous taxis. Three leading global companies — Baidu Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai — have begun operating more than 60 self-driving vehicles in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. These pilot operations mark the first step towards the commercial launch of driverless taxi services, scheduled for 2026.
Passengers using these vehicles will experience interactive entertainment screens powered by artificial intelligence. The initiative falls under the new unified visual identity ‘Dubai Future Ride’, which will be adopted by all self-driving vehicles in the emirate to provide a consistent and innovative passenger experience. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, presented the details of the identity to Their Highnesses during the exhibition.
When will strategy goals be met?
The Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2025–2040 sets out ambitious targets for the integration of autonomous mobility into the emirate’s transport ecosystem. Currently, 20.4% of trips in Dubai utilise self-driving technologies. This figure is projected to rise to 25% by 2030 and further expand to 36% by 2040.
The strategy forms part of Dubai’s broader vision to serve as a living laboratory for sustainability and innovation, offering scalable models for the future of global mobility. By aligning with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the emirate seeks to maintain its position as a pioneer in emerging technologies, bolstering its reputation as one of the fastest adopters of digital solutions worldwide.