Dubai RTA, Pony.ai Begin Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Program
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pony.ai to begin autonomous vehicle pilot trials. The global leader in self-driving technology will partner with RTA to help launch a fully driverless commercial service by 2026.
The announcement confirms that the trials will begin later this year. Pony.ai recently revealed its seventh-generation autonomous vehicle, developed in collaboration with manufacturers such as Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. These vehicles are equipped with sophisticated AI systems and high-precision sensors, including lidars, radars, and cameras, enabling safe operation across varying conditions.
Furthermore, Pony.ai has built strong alliances with major tech firms like Tencent and Alibaba. As a result, its robotaxi services have been integrated into everyday apps such as WeChat and Alipay, making autonomous transport more user-friendly and widely accessible.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior leaders from both sides. Mr. Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, and Ms. Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Pony.ai, formalized the agreement.
Supporting Dubai’s Smart Mobility Vision
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership. He 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.”
He further noted that the collaboration supports Dubai’s ambition to lead in smart and sustainable mobility. It also promotes convenience for daily commuters, enhances safety, and boosts the quality of life across the emirate.
Moreover, he explained that autonomous taxis play a key role in improving connectivity through the “first and last-mile” strategy. This ensures seamless transitions between different modes of public transport.
“Autonomous mobility has become a present reality,” he concluded, pointing to the combined efforts of private technology developers and public agencies in shaping an enabling environment for these systems to thrive.
A Strategic Leap for Future Transportation
Pony.ai’s Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Leo Wang, underscored the significance of the partnership in a regional context. “The collaboration with Dubai RTA exemplifies our commitment to deploying Level 4 autonomous technology in strategic global markets.”
He also added, “By aligning our technological capabilities with RTA’s visionary leadership, we’re establishing foundational standards for intelligent transportation ecosystems across the MENA region.”
Ultimately, this initiative places Dubai at the forefront of autonomous mobility. By combining regulatory readiness, infrastructure development, and global partnerships, the city continues to shape a future-ready transportation network that aligns with its long-term urban innovation goals.
