emirates7 - Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pony.ai, a prominent company in the field of autonomous driving technologies, to launch pilot trials of self-driving vehicles in the emirate. These trials are expected to begin later this year, setting the stage for a fully autonomous commercial service by 2026.
Pony.ai recently introduced the seventh generation of its autonomous vehicles, developed in collaboration with major car manufacturers such as Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. These vehicles feature cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems and are equipped with an advanced sensor suite—including lidars, radars, and cameras—to ensure accurate navigation and safety under diverse traffic and weather conditions.
The company has also partnered with major tech firms like Tencent and Alibaba to integrate its robotaxi services into popular platforms such as WeChat and Alipay.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, and Dr. Leo Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Pony.ai. The agreement was signed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, and Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Pony.ai, in the presence of several officials from both sides.
Al Tayer praised the agreement, noting that the partnership aligns with Dubai’s strategic vision for embracing autonomous transportation and strengthens its global standing in future mobility technologies. He also expressed appreciation for Pony.ai’s decision to base its international expansion efforts in Dubai.
He further stated: “RTA’s ongoing collaboration with leading global firms in the autonomous mobility sector is a major step toward fulfilling the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all trips in Dubai autonomous by 2030. This reflects our dedication to advancing smart, efficient, and sustainable transport through global partnerships.”
He added that autonomous taxis will play a crucial role in enhancing the integration of Dubai’s transport network, particularly by supporting first and last-mile connectivity. These vehicles are expected to improve residents’ and visitors’ quality of life, increase road safety, and offer greater daily convenience.
Al Tayer also noted that autonomous mobility is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, with global companies fast-tracking the development of the necessary technologies and software. Governments, in turn, are working to build the infrastructure and establish the legal and regulatory frameworks needed for these systems to operate effectively.
Pony.ai CFO Dr. Leo Wang highlighted the importance of the agreement for the region, stating:
“Our collaboration with Dubai’s RTA reflects our commitment to deploying Level 4 autonomous vehicle technology in key international markets. By combining our advanced technology with the RTA’s forward-thinking leadership, we are laying the groundwork for intelligent transport ecosystems across the MENA region.”
Pony.ai recently introduced the seventh generation of its autonomous vehicles, developed in collaboration with major car manufacturers such as Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. These vehicles feature cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems and are equipped with an advanced sensor suite—including lidars, radars, and cameras—to ensure accurate navigation and safety under diverse traffic and weather conditions.
The company has also partnered with major tech firms like Tencent and Alibaba to integrate its robotaxi services into popular platforms such as WeChat and Alipay.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, and Dr. Leo Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Pony.ai. The agreement was signed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, and Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Pony.ai, in the presence of several officials from both sides.
Al Tayer praised the agreement, noting that the partnership aligns with Dubai’s strategic vision for embracing autonomous transportation and strengthens its global standing in future mobility technologies. He also expressed appreciation for Pony.ai’s decision to base its international expansion efforts in Dubai.
He further stated: “RTA’s ongoing collaboration with leading global firms in the autonomous mobility sector is a major step toward fulfilling the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all trips in Dubai autonomous by 2030. This reflects our dedication to advancing smart, efficient, and sustainable transport through global partnerships.”
He added that autonomous taxis will play a crucial role in enhancing the integration of Dubai’s transport network, particularly by supporting first and last-mile connectivity. These vehicles are expected to improve residents’ and visitors’ quality of life, increase road safety, and offer greater daily convenience.
Al Tayer also noted that autonomous mobility is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, with global companies fast-tracking the development of the necessary technologies and software. Governments, in turn, are working to build the infrastructure and establish the legal and regulatory frameworks needed for these systems to operate effectively.
Pony.ai CFO Dr. Leo Wang highlighted the importance of the agreement for the region, stating:
“Our collaboration with Dubai’s RTA reflects our commitment to deploying Level 4 autonomous vehicle technology in key international markets. By combining our advanced technology with the RTA’s forward-thinking leadership, we are laying the groundwork for intelligent transport ecosystems across the MENA region.”