Pony.ai Teams Up with Dubai RTA to Enhance Autonomous Mobility in the UAE

Pony.ai Partners with Dubai RTA for Autonomous Mobility

Pony.ai, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has declared a significant partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards enhancing autonomous vehicle deployment in one of the Middle East's most vibrant urban areas. The partnership aligns with Dubai's ambitious vision of transforming 25% of the city’s transport into autonomous solutions by 2030, evidencing the emirate's commitment to innovation in mobility.

Strategic Goals of the Partnership

During a recent announcement, Mr. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration, indicating it as a milestone in the city’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy. The goal is clear: to bolster Dubai's position as a global leader in autonomous transport and smart mobility solutions. Dr. Leo Wang, CFO of Pony.ai, echoed this sentiment, stating that Dubai stands at the forefront of intelligent urban mobility and that Pony.ai is honored to partner in such a transformative initiative.

The Road Ahead

The partnership promises a phased rollout of Pony.ai's advanced robotaxi services, with the first supervised trials anticipated to commence in 2025. These will pave the way for fully autonomous driverless operations by the following year. The establishment of these services exemplifies how Dubai aims to integrate cutting-edge smart transport solutions into its pre-existing infrastructure seamlessly.

Pony.ai is accelerating its robotaxi fleet deployment, with expectations to begin mass production of its seventh-generation vehicles in late 2025. This milestone will not only enhance service capabilities but also set a solid groundwork for further global expansion. The company’s ambition is to scale its robotaxi fleet to thousands of vehicles within two years, positioning 2025 as the year for large-scale commercial deployment.

Innovative Technology

One of the critical elements of this partnership is Pony.ai's seventh-generation autonomous driving system, recently demonstrated at Auto Shanghai 2025. The system's advancements include a 70% reduction in Bill of Materials (BOM) costs while adhering to rigorous automotive standards. It's designed to navigate complex urban environments, showcasing its adeptness in a variety of traffic scenarios from busy highways to bustling city streets.

This sophisticated platform supports a diverse range of vehicle types, ensuring rapid adaptability across different models. In collaboration with industry giants like Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor, Pony.ai aims to launch these robotaxis to the public following successful trials.

Operational Excellence

Pony.ai has successfully implemented an autonomous operation system that governs everything from vehicle dispatch to the service completion. This technology was already tested in China, where Pony.ai became the first company to provide fully driverless ride-hailing services in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Their fleet effectively navigates intricate environments, exemplified by their operations in Shenzhen’s densely populated districts and transport hubs like airports and railway stations.

Dr. Wang highlighted Pony.ai's dedication to providing Dubai residents and visitors with safer, greener, and hassle-free travel options. The firm's long-term strategy involves integrating its robotaxi services into Dubai’s multifaceted transport network, which includes metro, tram, and maritime routes. This integration aims to enhance the overall travel experience while minimizing the city’s carbon footprint.

Global Expansion

Further extending its reach, Pony.ai has secured robotaxi testing permits in multiple markets including the United States, South Korea, Luxembourg, and now the UAE. This latest partnership with the RTA represents a significant advancement in Pony.ai's international presence, particularly in the rapidly evolving Middle Eastern market.

As the company moves forward with its plans, the collaboration with RTA symbolizes both a commitment to innovation in urban mobility and a shared vision of a sustainable, autonomous future for Dubai.