RTA Launches Dubai Mobility Labs at Silicon Oasis
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has inaugurated Dubai Mobility Labs at Dubai Silicon Oasis. The facility will test, validate, and certify autonomous vehicles and future mobility technologies before deployment on public roads.
The project supports Dubai’s ambition to become a global centre for autonomous transport development. Moreover, it provides companies and researchers with infrastructure to assess self-driving technologies under controlled and real-world conditions.
Testing Scenarios for Autonomous Vehicles
Dubai Mobility Labs combines dedicated testing tracks, simulated traffic environments, and public-road testing routes extending from Dubai Silicon Oasis to Al Qudra.
The facility includes 248 testing scenarios across controlled environments and public roads. Of these, the multi-purpose testing area accommodates 195 scenarios, including 143 incorporated into its original design and 52 added through subsequent enhancements.
These scenarios cover diverse urban traffic conditions. Consequently, developers can evaluate vehicle sensors, decision-making systems, interactions with other road users, and responses to changing environmental conditions.
The site also includes operational offices, three light-industrial units, indoor installation facilities, and three electric-vehicle chargers rated at 60 kW each. Together, these resources support companies conducting testing and development activities.
Supporting Dubai’s Autonomous Transport Strategy
The project supports Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 per cent of all mobility journeys autonomous by 2030.
RTA Director-General and Chairman Mattar Al Tayer said the facility would help strengthen Dubai’s position in autonomous mobility. Furthermore, he highlighted its role in attracting investment, specialised talent, and technology developers.
Meanwhile, DIEZ Executive Chairman Mohammed Al Zarooni said the project supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The initiative aims to strengthen a competitive economy driven by knowledge and innovation.
Global Technology Companies and Testing Operations
Dubai Mobility Labs has already hosted autonomous-driving trials involving technologies and vehicles from WeRide, Pony.ai, and Tesla. These trials demonstrate the facility’s readiness to accommodate different mobility systems.
Additionally, RTA appointed DEKRA to operate the facility for its first three years. The company will manage daily operations, coordinate testing activities, and oversee compliance with international safety standards.
Through this arrangement, Dubai aims to establish a structured pathway for testing, certification, and commercial deployment. Ultimately, the facility will support the development of autonomous mobility solutions for Dubai and other markets.
