Dubai is taking a monumental step towards revolutionizing its transportation landscape by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pony.ai, a global frontrunner in autonomous driving technology.

This partnership will pave the way for pilot trials of self-driving vehicles in the emirate, with a fully driverless commercial service expected to roll out by 2026.The collaboration is a key milestone in Dubai’s ambitious Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which seeks to convert 25% of all trips in the city to autonomous journeys by 2030. The trials, slated to begin later this year, are a critical part of the emirate's push to enhance sustainable and innovative transportation solutions for both residents and visitors.

The MoU was officially signed in Dubai by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Pony.ai. The event was attended by senior officials from both the RTA and Pony.ai, with Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, and Dr. Leo Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Pony.ai, also present.

Pony.ai, which has gained international recognition for its advanced autonomous vehicle technology, recently unveiled its seventh-generation self-driving vehicle. Co-developed in partnership with major automotive manufacturers such as Toyota, GAC, and BAIC, these vehicles are equipped with an integrated suite of cutting-edge sensors, including lidars, radars, and high-resolution cameras. This advanced technology enables the vehicles to safely navigate complex road conditions and drive with a high level of accuracy.Pony.ai has also formed strategic partnerships with major tech giants like Tencent and Alibaba to incorporate its robotaxi services into popular apps such as WeChat and Alipay, further streamlining the user experience. These alliances illustrate the company's commitment to making autonomous transportation more accessible to consumers worldwide.

The MoU between RTA and Pony.ai is more than just a business agreement—it represents a significant stride in Dubai’s ongoing efforts to cement its position as a global leader in smart mobility.

Mattar Al Tayer, RTA’s Director General, emphasized the importance of the partnership in his statement, calling it a “strategic move” that will enhance the city’s reputation for innovative transport solutions. He said, “Our collaboration with Pony.ai reflects RTA’s continued commitment to integrating cutting-edge autonomous mobility solutions.

This aligns with Dubai’s vision to enhance sustainability, safety, and user convenience through innovation in transportation.”Al Tayer also highlighted the critical role autonomous taxis will play in improving mobility across the city. They will be particularly impactful for first- and last-mile connectivity, offering efficient transport options for residents and visitors alike. Moreover, the widespread adoption of self-driving vehicles will contribute to improved road safety and seamlessly integrate with existing public transport networks, offering a more cohesive and accessible travel experience.

Pony.ai’s partnership with Dubai’s RTA is also a major step in the company’s international expansion strategy. Dr. Leo Wang, CFO of Pony.ai, underscored the importance of the collaboration, saying, “Collaborating with RTA exemplifies our mission to bring Level 4 autonomous technology to strategic global markets. Together, we’re laying the foundation for an intelligent transportation ecosystem across the MENA region.

”The company's move to Dubai comes as part of its broader strategy to deploy autonomous vehicles in key global markets. The partnership marks a pivotal moment for Pony.ai, as the UAE’s progressive stance on autonomous technology provides the perfect environment for testing and scaling these innovations. With the introduction of autonomous taxis, Dubai is poised to become one of the most advanced cities in terms of autonomous mobility, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow.