The UAE's extensive testing of autonomous vehicle technology, supported by both the government and private sector, is making significant contributions to "the global advancement of smart mobility solutions".

According to a new report from an international think tank, these efforts are expected to ultimately reduce traffic congestion by 60 per cent.

“With successful pilot programmes and a firm commitment to innovation, the nation is building a mobility ecosystem that balances operational efficiency with sustainability goals,” said Arthur D. Little in its latest edition of the Autonomous Mobility Journal, highlighting the UAE’s advancements in autonomous transport.

Samir Imran, partner for Travel, Transportation, and Hospitality for Arthur D. Little Middle East, also emphasised: "The UAE is setting a benchmark for how nations can turn autonomous mobility into reality."

The report highlights that Dubai and Abu Dhabi as crucial testing grounds for autonomous vehicles.

"In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) – in collaboration with Cruise – has led a series of successful robo-taxi pilots, demonstrating the viability of integrating autonomous technologies into complex urban environments," the report noted.

"Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has emphasised innovation in public transportation with WeRide’s robo-buses, which have been instrumental in addressing last-mile connectivity challenges and alleviating urban congestion," it added.

Beyond improving mobility, autonomous transport in the UAE is expected to deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits. Research reveals that these will help reduce congestion-related delays by 60 per cent.

“These gains align perfectly with the UAE’s broader objectives of increasing urban efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. Central to these advancements are the UAE’s regulatory sandboxes. This approach fosters a collaborative environment for private-sector innovators and government bodies to pilot new technologies,” the report added.

The report also highlighted advancements like Chinese technology company Baidu’s extensive robo-taxi operations in China, which conducted over 800,000 rides in Q4 2023 with 45 per cent being fully driverless, and Waymo’s driverless rides in the US.

To effectively reduce road congestion, autonomous vehicles, especially robo-buses, must be seamlessly integrate into urban transportation networks. According to the report, their success depends on its strategic deployment within existing infrastructure.

“Not only are autonomous buses poised to enhance the efficiency and safety of public transit, but they also address the pressing driver shortages affecting the industry,” the report stated.

Operating at approximately Level 4 autonomy (a fully self-driving car that does not require a human driver in most circumstances) robo-buses can handle most driving tasks independently within designated environments.

“Robo-buses would also increase operational productivity independent of human drivers where operating hours would not be limited to human shift hours," the report underscored.

“For passengers, robo-buses represent an opportunity for greater road safety, given that 94 per cent of crashes are due to human behavior. There is an expectation of less traffic congestion since robobuses could reduce headways between vehicles and ultimately decrease congestion- related delays by 60 per cent on highways," it added.

The report also pointed challenges of integration autonomous vehicles into public transportation system, including ensuring safety and seamless connectivity, improving sensing capabilities, increasing consumer acceptance, and optimising routes and services

Meanwhile, Hassan Khairat, principal at Arthur D. Little Middle East Travel, Transportation, and Hospitality Practice, noted that the efforts in the region are informed by lessons from global markets, including Beijing’s extensive autonomous vehicle testing zones and Baidu’s robo-taxi deployments in China.

“Autonomous mobility is more than a technological advancement; it represents a paradigm shift in how we approach transportation. The proactive efforts seen across the Middle East position it as a leader in the global push toward smarter cities,” he explained.

“As governments and private entities across the Middle East continue to foster innovation, the region is poised to play a pivotal role in the global autonomous mobility landscape.

"By embracing the latest technologies, prioritising sustainable urban planning, and fostering collaboration, the Middle East is not only contributing to the evolution of smart mobility but also setting standards for others to follow," he added.