Driverless Future: Dubai Rolls Out Robotaxis

Dubai Robotaxis: Launch in 2026 Fully Driverless

Dubai is once again becoming a pioneer of future transportation: Thanks to a newly signed agreement between the Chinese company Pony.ai and the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the first robotaxi trial runs will begin by 2025, with fully driverless services introduced by 2026.

Pony.ai, which already operates successful robotaxi fleets in several cities in China—such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen—is now focusing on Dubai. The company's latest seventh-generation autonomous driving system—which was introduced at the Shanghai Auto Show—is 100% automotive-grade, offering a more stable and safer travel experience for passengers while reducing hardware costs by 70% compared to previous expenses.

The new system can handle complex environmental challenges, whether in crowded business districts or on high-speed highways. The platform-based design allows for quick adaptation to various vehicle types, implemented by Pony.ai in collaboration with companies like Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor. Mass production is set to start in the second half of 2025, with the first robotaxis expected on the roads before the end of the year.

Dubai aims for 25% of its transportation to be autonomous by 2030, as defined by the Smart City Vision 2030 strategy. The robotaxi service will provide not only convenience for passengers in the long run but will also integrate organically into the city's existing transportation network, including the metro, tram, and waterways.

Pony.ai's prior agreement with Abu Dhabi highlights the UAE region’s strong commitment to autonomous transportation solutions: In October 2023, they joined the Abu Dhabi Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster in Masdar City.

The robotaxis to be introduced in Dubai represent not only a technological marvel but an entirely new transportation experience that is greener, safer, and more comfortable. As one of the world's most modern cities, Dubai once again sets an example of how to realize the transportation of the future in the present.

(The source of the article is a release from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).)