Dubai Unveils 15km Autonomous Zone to Transform Urban Mobility
Dubai has announced the creation of the Dubai Autonomous Zone (DAZ), a 15-kilometre area dedicated to self-driving transport across land and water. Revealed during the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, the initiative supports Dubai’s target of making 25% of its transportation smart and driverless by 2030.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, explained that the DAZ is designed for seamless integration of autonomous modes such as taxis, shuttle buses, abras, marine transport, and the Dubai Metro. Even street sweepers will be fully automated, ensuring that every element of mobility in the zone operates without drivers. The DAZ will stretch from Creek Station on the Metro Green Line in Al Jaddaf, covering Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City.
Multiple Autonomous Modes in One Zone
The DAZ will host seven autonomous transport options: Dubai Metro, RoboTaxi, RoboBus, autonomous abra, self-driving shuttle, driverless logistics vehicles, and automated street sweepers. Khaled Al Awadhi, director of transportation systems at RTA, said the aim is to create a model zone where all these modes work together. Visitors will be able to move between destinations by switching from Metro to autonomous abras or shuttle buses, making urban travel highly efficient and interconnected.
Among these, RoboTaxis are set to be introduced in the first quarter of 2026. Initially, the service will launch within DAZ and gradually expand until all seven modes are fully operational by mid-2027. Afterwards, the model will be replicated in other parts of the city. Three global companies Pony.ai, WeRide, and Apollo Go (Baidu) are already working with RTA, having received certification to test their driverless taxis on Jumeirah Road and Umm Suqeim.
Expanding the Future of Transport
The driverless Dubai Metro is already in use, while other autonomous services are progressing toward public rollout. Bahrozyan emphasized that the project goes beyond convenience, positioning Dubai as a global leader in urban mobility. By enabling residents and visitors to rely on a variety of driverless transport options, the DAZ demonstrates how the city is preparing for a sustainable and innovative future.
