Dubai is fast-tracking its smart mobility future by partnering with Pony.ai to deploy next-gen robotaxis. This will set the stage for large-scale, fully autonomous transport and redefine how the city moves by 2030.
Pony.ai Robotaxi
Pony.ai has announced that it has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to deploy its advanced robotaxi fleet in the region. The collaboration underscores Pony.ai's commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology in one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan hubs.
Strategic Support for Dubai’s Self-Driving Vision
Mr. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency at RTA, stated: "The collaboration with Pony.ai marks another significant milestone in advancing Dubai's Self-Driving Transport Strategy. This partnership is integral to our goal of transforming 25% of all journeys in the city into autonomous trips by 2030, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global leader in autonomous mobility and innovation. We are excited to work with Pony.ai, a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, to further enhance the integration of smart transport solutions in Dubai."
Dr. Leo Wang, CFO of Pony.ai, said: "Dubai stands at the forefront of intelligent urban mobility innovation, and we are honored to collaborate with RTA on this transformative initiative. By combining our proven autonomous driving technology and extensive fleet operation experience, we are committed to accelerating Dubai's transition to autonomous transportation."
Phased Rollout Aligned with Dubai’s 2030 Smart City Vision
Aligned with Dubai’s 2030 Smart City Vision, which targets transitioning 25% of the city’s transportation to autonomous mode by 2030, the collaboration will introduce Pony.ai’s autonomous driving technology through a multi-phase rollout. Initial supervised trials are set to launch in 2025, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026.
Seventh-Generation Robotaxi Deployment
As a global leader in autonomous mobility solutions, Pony.ai plans to start mass production and deployment of its seventh-generation robotaxis in the second half of 2025. This initiative is expected to lay a robust foundation for the company’s global expansion.
The company aims to ramp up its robotaxi fleet globally to thousands of vehicles within the next two years, positioning 2025 as the inaugural year for large-scale commercial deployment. This accelerated timeline is enabled by technological maturity, vehicle engineering, and operational readiness.
Showcasing Technological Readiness
Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system, recently showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025, exemplifies this technological readiness. The AD kit hardware suite achieves a 70% BOM cost reduction while meeting stringent automotive-grade standards. Its advanced sensor array handles complex scenarios ranging from high-speed highways to crowded urban centers like Dubai’s business and financial districts. The platform-based design enables rapid adaptation across different vehicle types.
Collaborations with Global Automakers
For vehicle production, Pony.ai collaborates with industry leaders, including Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor, to develop its seventh-generation robotaxis. Mass deployment is slated for later this year following the vehicles’ successful debut in Shanghai in April.
Scalable Robotaxi Operations
The company has established a comprehensive robotaxi operation system featuring fully automated processes from vehicle dispatch to service conclusion. Pony.ai was the first autonomous driving company in China to offer fully driverless ride-hailing services across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Its fleet of around 300 robotaxi vehicles serves key hubs such as Beijing South Railway Station and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. It navigates complex environments such as Shenzhen’s densely populated Nanshan District, demonstrating scalable solutions adaptable to global urban environments.
"We've built up real expertise in robotaxis from years of operations in China, and now we’re bringing that know-how to Dubai. Our goal is to give residents and visitors here driverless tech that's not just greener and safer, but genuinely makes getting around this city easier for everyone," said Leo Wang.
Future Integration with Multimodal Transport
Long-term plans include integrating robotaxi services with Dubai’s multimodal transport network — encompassing metro, tram, and maritime routes — to create a future where autonomous vehicles complement existing infrastructure, enabling smoother journeys and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
Global Expansion and Market Presence
To date, Pony.ai has secured robotaxi testing permits across four major markets, including the United States, China, South Korea, and Luxembourg. The new partnership with Dubai further extends its global presence and represents a milestone in its expansion in the Middle East.
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