Pony.ai, RTA Dubai forge strategic alliance to launch commercial driverless Robotaxi service by 2026

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 4, local time, Pony.ai signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), marking a significant milestone in the global rollout of autonomous mobility solutions, according to a post on Pony.ai's WeChat account.

The agreement was signed alongside the official launch of Pony.ai's Robotaxi in Dubai, with the first vehicles slated to begin road testing in 2025. This move sets the stage for fully driverless commercial operations by 2026.

Under the partnership, the two sides will collaborate to integrate L4 autonomous driving technology into Dubai's multimodal transport ecosystem. The aim is to enhance urban mobility, reduce congestion, and accelerate the city's transition toward a sustainable transportation model. The collaboration supports Dubai's strategic goal of having autonomous vehicles account for 25% of all trips by 2030.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, hailed the partnership with Pony.ai as a critical step toward establishing Dubai as a global leader in future mobility. He praised Pony.ai's decision to choose Dubai as its launchpad for international expansion beyond China, underscoring the emirate's commitment to shaping smart, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems through global collaboration.

According to the implementation roadmap, Pony.ai will gradually deploy its Robotaxi fleet across Dubai, beginning with road test runs in 2025. The service will be seamlessly integrated into the city's broader transit network, including metro, tram, and marine routes. As a regional innovation hub, Dubai is positioning autonomous vehicles as a core pillar of its broader smart city and digital transformation strategy.

"Robotaxi services will significantly enhance the convenience and efficiency of public transit by improving last-mile and first-mile connectivity," His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer added. "More importantly, the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles will boost safety, elevate the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, and offer a more seamless travel experience across the emirate."

Pony.ai has achieved several key milestones in 2025. Its newly launched seventh-generation Robotaxi features a 100% automotive-grade hardware suite, significantly improving cost efficiency and platform compatibility. The company is also expanding its global presence through strategic collaborations: in Europe, it is testing in Luxembourg with Emile Weber; in Asia, it has teamed up with ComfortDelGro in Singapore; and in South Korea, road testing began earlier this year in Seoul. A notable partnership with Uber further underscores Pony.ai's readiness to scale globally.