H.H. Sheikh Hamdan reviews Dubai’s self-driving tech progress

Dubai is accelerating its push into autonomous mobility with pilot operations of more than 60 self-driving vehicles currently underway in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.

These tests are being conducted by three global companies — Baidu Apollo Go, WeRide and Pony.ai, ahead of the commercial launch of driverless taxis in the city in 2026.

Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, was briefed about the progress during the Dubai World Self-Driving Transport Exhibition.

Sheikh Hamdan inaugurated the exhibition on Wednesday, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

A new unified visual identity for all autonomous vehicles in the city, branded 'Dubai Future Ride', was also unveiled at the exhibition.

Held as part of the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, the event his hosting over 3,000 attendees and showcasing innovations from 55 global exhibitors — including autonomous buses, robotics and even self-flying aircraft.

Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy targets 25 per cent of all trips to be autonomous by 2030, rising to 36 per cent by 2040.

Sheikh Hamdan said the strategy is part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and aims to position the emirate as a global model for smart, sustainable urban mobility.

Hamdan bin Mohammed inaugurates Dubai World Self-Driving Transport Exhibition. Event hosts 55 leading exhibitors showcasing innovations in self-driving vehicles and buses, robotics, AI, and smart and sustainable mobility. His Highnesses wasbriefed on the latest updates regarding… pic.twitter.com/JUfbMSqB0y

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 24, 2025