DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (July 6, 2025) — Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pony.ai, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, to begin pilot trials of autonomous vehicles in the emirate. The trials are set to launch later this year, with a full-scale commercial driverless taxi service expected in 2026.
Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous vehicles, developed in collaboration with major automotive manufacturers including Toyota, GAC, and BAIC, will be used in the trials. The vehicles are equipped with advanced AI algorithms and a full sensor suite—lidars, radars, and cameras—to ensure safe and accurate performance in various road and weather conditions.
Pony.ai has also partnered with leading technology firms like Tencent and Alibaba to integrate its robotaxi services into platforms such as WeChat and Alipay.
The MoU was signed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, and Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Pony.ai. The signing ceremony was attended by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, and Dr. Leo Wang, CFO of Pony.ai, along with other officials from both parties.
Al Tayer said the partnership supports Dubai’s efforts to adopt cutting-edge autonomous mobility solutions and enhances its leadership in the global mobility sector.
“This marks a pivotal step toward achieving the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all trips in Dubai to autonomous transport by 2030,” Al Tayer stated. “It will boost last-mile connectivity, enhance road safety, and offer residents and visitors greater ease of mobility.”
Dr. Leo Wang added, “Our collaboration with Dubai RTA reflects Pony.ai’s mission to bring Level 4 autonomous technology to strategic global markets. Together, we are helping lay the foundation for intelligent, sustainable transportation ecosystems in the MENA region.”
