Dubai set to begin first self-driving vehicle road trials
RTA issues permits to global firms for autonomous tests across the emirate
DUBAI’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has granted the first permits for autonomous driving tests to Baidu’s Apollo Go, WeRide and Pony.ai, allowing the companies to deploy vehicles for on-road trials in urban Dubai.
The move marks a significant milestone in the emirate’s ambitious plan to integrate self-driving technology into its transport ecosystem.
How will it work?
The permits enable Baidu, WeRide and Pony.ai to begin conducting trials on Dubai’s roads, ensuring their autonomous fleets adapt to the city’s driving environment. These companies, each a global leader in autonomous technology, will work alongside RTA to carry out comprehensive testing and operations. The collaboration aims to establish Dubai as a benchmark city for smart mobility.
Earlier this year, RTA signed agreements with the three firms to accelerate the rollout of autonomous taxi services. The partnerships bring advanced self-driving technology and fleet expertise to Dubai, aligning with the emirate’s strategic goals of enhancing public transport with innovative solutions.
This initiative supports Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which targets converting 25% of all mobility journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips by 2030.