Dubai World Congress on Self-Driving Transport Begins
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai will host the fourth edition of the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport on 24 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event runs under the slogan “Redefining Mobility… The Path to Autonomy.”
This year’s congress highlights Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in smart mobility. It also builds on the city’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which seeks to transform 25% of all journeys into autonomous trips by 2030. The initiative continues to attract international companies, universities, and research institutions committed to future mobility solutions.
Global Participation and Innovation
The two-day congress will host more than 3,000 participants, 45 workshops and seminars, and 80 speakers. Attendees include senior officials, international researchers, and developers of autonomous technologies. Keynote sessions will spotlight the latest advancements in self-driving transport and explore global applications of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and mobility services.
Alongside the congress, an exhibition will showcase over 50 companies. Exhibitors include Baidu Apollo International, DEWA, Pony.ai, Uber, and several others. Visitors will also experience self-driving vehicles scheduled for deployment in Dubai by 2026. These activities create opportunities for knowledge exchange while demonstrating Dubai’s commitment to sustainable, smart mobility.
The Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport
Running parallel to the congress, the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport has attracted wide participation. Applications exceeded expectations by 170%, demonstrating strong global interest. The challenge focuses on developing model districts that integrate multiple transport modes, ensuring seamless mobility and convenience for residents.
Five finalists reached the final stage after months of field testing and evaluation. These include international consortia and companies from China, Germany, Switzerland, France, the UAE, Austria, and Singapore. The winners will be announced and honored during the opening ceremony.
The challenge also targets solutions for pressing urban issues. Key priorities include first-and-last mile connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and encouraging greater adoption of public transport. Through this initiative, Dubai continues to expand the role of self-driving mobility as a cornerstone of its urban development strategy.
