Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pony.ai, a prominent company specializing in autonomous driving technologies, to initiate pilot trials of autonomous vehicles in the emirate. These trials are set to commence later this year, laying the groundwork for the launch of a fully driverless commercial service by 2026, according to a statement.
Pony.ai has recently introduced the seventh generation of its autonomous vehicles, developed in collaboration with major automotive manufacturers including Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. The company’s vehicles are outfitted with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, complemented by a sophisticated array of sensors—such as lidars, radars, and cameras—to ensure accurate navigation and safety under various road and weather conditions.
Moreover, Pony.ai has forged partnerships with leading technology firms like Tencent and Alibaba to integrate robotaxi mobility services into platforms such as WeChat and Alipay.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, and Dr. Leo Wang, chief financial officer of Pony.ai, were present at the signing ceremony of the MoU between RTA and Pony.ai.
The MoU was signed on behalf of RTA by Mr. Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, and on behalf of Pony.ai by Ms. Ann Shi, vice president of Strategy and Business Development, with several officials from both parties in attendance.
Read more: Dubai RTA launches Al Safa Street improvement project reducing travel time to 3 minutes
Advancing the future of smart mobility
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer praised the signing of the MoU with Pony.ai, emphasizing that the partnership would bolster Dubai’s ongoing initiatives to embrace autonomous mobility solutions and strengthen its global leadership in future mobility. He also expressed gratitude for the company’s choice of Dubai as its global platform for expanding operations beyond China.
Al Tayer further stated: “RTA’s continued expansion of partnerships with leading global companies in the field of autonomous mobility marks a key step towards achieving the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25 percent of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys across various modes of transport by 2030. It underscores RTA’s commitment to working closely with global technology leaders to advance the future of smart, efficient, and sustainable mobility.”
“The operation of autonomous taxis contributes to the integration of transport systems by facilitating the movement of public transport users and improving access to their final destinations in line with the first and last-mile strategy. Operating autonomous taxis will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in Dubai, improve road safety, and offer greater convenience in daily mobility across the emirate.”
“Autonomous mobility has become a present reality. Leading global companies are accelerating the development of technologies and software that power autonomous vehicles, while governments—through the relevant licensing and regulatory authorities—are working to provide the necessary infrastructure and establish the legislative and regulatory frameworks required to enable their operation.”
Pony.ai CFO Dr. Leo Wang highlighted the regional significance of the partnership: “The collaboration with Dubai RTA exemplifies our commitment to deploying Level 4 autonomous technology in strategic global markets. By aligning our technological capabilities with RTA’s visionary leadership, we’re establishing foundational standards for intelligent transportation ecosystems across the MENA region.”
