Dubai, September 29, 2025- Pony.ai, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has taken a significant step forward in self-driving transport by securing a robotaxi testing permit in Dubai. Granted by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), this permit allows Pony.ai to conduct autonomous driving trials on Dubai’s roads, accelerating the deployment of robotaxi services across the Middle East.
Ann Shi, VP of Strategy and Business Development at Pony.ai, said, “We do plan to use taxi services here in Dubai, and one thing about Dubai is it is a very international Metropolitan city.”
Adding that Dubai as a city is a good mixture of international exposure, Ann said Pony.ai plans to deploy 1,000 robotaxis in the Middle East over the next three years.
Extension of Autonomous Mobility in the Middle East
Pony.ai’s efforts in Dubai are part of a comprehensive strategy to expand its autonomous driving footprint all over the Middle East. In addition to the robotaxi test permit in Dubai, PoniAI recently announced a partnership in Singapore and Qatar. This cooperation reveals a clear ambition not only in Dubai but also in the entire region to deploy autonomous ride-hailing services.
With a fleet of over 500 vehicles operating in major cities of China, Pony.Ai brings widespread experience in autonomous driving in the Middle East. The company is also working with the Global Ride-Hailing platform Uber, which is planning to integrate its robotaxi services in the Uber app for Dubai and beyond.
CEO of Pony.ai, Dr. James Peng, expressed confidence in Dubai’s progressive transport policies, stating that openness for the Emirate’s infrastructure and new technology creates the right environment to carry forward autonomous mobility. Through collaboration with regulators and local partners, Pony.ai is committed to accelerating the deployment of its robotaxi services in the Middle East.
Dubai Roads and Transport Authority is paving the route for a future where robotaxis operate with other autonomous transport modes, including driverless buses and delivery robots. This broad smart transport ecosystem is designed to increase road safety, reduce congestion, and improve travel quality for residents and tourists.
Pioneering Robotaxi Testing Permit in Dubai
This newly acquired robotaxi test permit in Dubai is a major milestone for Pony.AI and the Emirate’s smart mobility ambitions. The test phase has already started in selected areas of the city. The hope of launching in 2026 is to completely lay the groundwork for driverless commercial services. This effort directly aligns with Dubai’s ambitious plan to transform 25% of urban trips into autonomous travel by the year 2030.
The permit is the result of a strategic partnership that was forged by Pony.AI with the RTA of Dubai earlier this year. Cooperation level 4 focuses on developing autonomous mobility solutions. This means that vehicles will independently handle most driving tasks, but certain conditions may lead to minimal human inspection. The final goal is to integrate these robotaxi services into Dubai’s public transport infrastructure, which promotes safe, more efficient, and environmentally friendly urban travel.
During the Dubai World Congress recently for the Self-Driving Transport 2025, Pony.ai designed for Dubai, especially with its advanced autonomous driving technology, as well as a robotaxi model. The event, themed “Redifying Mobility: The Path to Autonomy,” highlighted the future of Smart, Driverless Transportation. Pony.ai’s presentation attracted government officials, industry experts, and potential partners, which shows keen interest in the technology and deployment schemes of the company.
This landmark robotaxi test permit in Dubai reflects the dedication of the city to the future of mobility. As the tests continue and start commercial services next year, Poni AI’s robotaxis have been designed to become an important part of Dubai’s public transport network, helping the city achieve its smart transit vision by 2030. This success can serve as a model for other Middle Eastern cities, which can aim to embrace safe and continuous autonomous transport options.
The trip to the robotaxi test permit of Pony.ai in Dubai is still the beginning, but it already indicates a new era in urban dynamics for the region. The future of a driverless ride in Dubai looks promising, in which autonomy plays a central role in the city’s transport development.
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