Autonomous Vehicle Trials Led by RTA in China for the 2025 Dubai Self-Driving Transport Competition
### Dubai Accelerates Autonomous Vehicle Testing and Partnerships
Dubai is making significant strides in the realm of autonomous vehicle technology, as evident from its recent collaborations and pilot trials. The city, aiming to transform 25% of all city trips into autonomous journeys by 2030, is actively working towards this goal.
One of the key developments is the partnership with Pony.ai, with plans to initiate pilot trials of self-driving vehicles later in 2025. This collaboration is part of Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy. The ultimate objective is to establish a fully driverless commercial service by 2026.
Another significant partnership is with Baidu, which will see 50 autonomous taxis deployed across Dubai by the end of 2025. These taxis, equipped with over 40 sensors and detectors, offer full Level 4 autonomy. The initial rollout will focus on data gathering and route testing, with plans to scale up to 1,000 vehicles over the next three years.
A technical team from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been observing field tests in China for the Dubai World Challenge. The focus has been on evaluating technologies in real-world road environments, contributing to Dubai's autonomous transport strategy.
The RTA has developed a structured methodology for the trials, which are divided into three categories: Mixed Traffic Tests, Standstill Tests, and Dedicated Tests. Mixed Traffic Tests were carried out on public roads and port environments, examining real-time functions such as speed adjustment, traffic signal handling, and navigation. Standstill Tests assessed safety systems, sensor coverage, emergency response features, and mobile application integration of autonomous vehicles while they remained stationary. Dedicated Tests focused on controlled scenarios like pedestrian interaction, start-stop capability, and remote operation features.
These initiatives are part of the preparations for the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, scheduled for 24-25 September 2025. The event will bring together global experts in mobility and autonomy. The RTA technical team is currently visiting several Chinese cities, including Guangzhou, Xi'an, Guiyang, and Suzhou, to observe real-world testing of self-driving technologies.
Five types of autonomous vehicles are being tested: a Robotaxi, two Robobuses, a Roboboat, and an autonomous logistics vehicle. The Dubai World Challenge offers a total prize of USD $3 million. The visit has four main objectives: technical and operational assessments, evaluation of each company's technology and readiness, inspection of operational environments, and defining the next phase of the Challenge.
Dubai continues to position itself as a global leader in autonomous transport, leveraging partnerships with leading companies like Pony.ai and Baidu to enhance sustainability, safety, and user convenience through innovative transportation solutions.
- The city of Dubai, aiming to enhance sustainability and user convenience, is collaborating with various industry leaders like Pony.ai and Baidu to advance its autonomous vehicle technology.
- Through its partnerships, Dubai aspires to initiate pilot trials of self-driving vehicles by 2025 as part of its Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, with the ultimate goal of establishing a fully driverless commercial service by 2026.
- The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) team in Dubai is observing field tests in China for the Dubai World Challenge, focusing on evaluating technologies in real-world road environments to contribute to its autonomous transport strategy.
- The Dubai World Challenge offers a total prize of USD $3 million to evaluate and test five types of autonomous vehicles: a Robotaxi, two Robobuses, a Roboboat, and an autonomous logistics vehicle, with the main objectives being technical assessments, reviewing each company's technology and readiness, assessing operational environments, and determining the next phase of the Challenge.
