Mercedes-Backed Momenta Targets Dubai Robotaxi Expansion
Chinese autonomous-driving company Momenta Global plans to deploy robotaxis in Dubai in 2027 as it expands beyond its current markets. The company aims to grow its global robotaxi fleet from more than 100 vehicles to several thousand by the end of 2027.
Momenta is backed by Mercedes-Benz and counts Toyota and BYD among its automotive partners. Meanwhile, the company operates two main businesses: advanced driver-assistance software and autonomous robotaxis.
Dubai Joins Momenta’s Global Expansion
Momenta currently tests robotaxis across five Chinese cities, Munich and Abu Dhabi. However, Dubai will become another key market as the company expands its international operations.
According to Shuo Xie, head of Momenta’s robotaxi business, the company expects its fleet to reach hundreds of vehicles by the end of 2026. Furthermore, Momenta expects several thousand vehicles to be in operation by the end of 2027.
The company is also discussing expansion with several European cities. In addition, Japan remains a priority for its international rollout.
Momenta’s Dubai plans arrive as the emirate accelerates autonomous mobility. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority reported more than four million robotaxi kilometres and 7,613 passenger trips by August 2026. Moreover, the existing programme recorded 97% customer satisfaction.
Mercedes Partnership Supports Autonomous Driving
Mercedes-Benz and Momenta already have a separate Level 4 robotaxi programme in the UAE. The companies are developing a driverless shuttle experience based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The initial S-Class robotaxi testing is taking place in Abu Dhabi with local mobility provider Lumo. Therefore, Momenta’s existing work in the UAE provides a foundation for its broader regional ambitions.
At the same time, Dubai has established a broader autonomous transport ecosystem. RTA currently works with companies including Baidu’s Apollo Go, WeRide and Pony.ai. Consequently, Momenta will enter a market where several autonomous-driving developers are already pursuing commercial deployments.
Momenta Targets Thousands of Robotaxis
Momenta is also investing in the computing infrastructure behind autonomous driving. The company is working with chipmaker XHeart on processors designed specifically for its autonomous-driving software.
According to Xie, the company’s future X9 chip could offer lower costs than Nvidia hardware with comparable computing capacity. Furthermore, Momenta hopes to use the X9 across robotaxis deployed internationally in the coming years.
The planned Dubai deployment therefore forms part of a much larger expansion strategy. Meanwhile, the emirate continues targeting autonomous mobility for 25% of all transportation trips by 2030. RTA’s 2027 Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport also highlights its continued focus on connected autonomous infrastructure.
As a result, Momenta’s planned entry into Dubai adds another international player to the emirate’s expanding robotaxi ecosystem. The scale and timing of its deployment will depend on testing, regulatory approvals and operational readiness.
