Technology & Innovation

Chinese autonomous vehicle (AV) technology company Pony.ai has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce an advanced robotaxi fleet in the city. The rollout will be implemented in multiple phases, beginning with supervised trials in 2025, followed by fully driverless operations set for 2026.

This partnership follows Pony.ai’s recent unveiling of its seventh-generation autonomous driving system at the Shanghai Auto Show last month. The new system features a 100% automotive-grade autonomous driving kit designed for enhanced stability, safety, and an extended product lifecycle. Notably, the hardware suite achieves a 70% cost reduction while complying with stringent automotive-grade standards.

Pony.ai’s advanced sensor array is capable of managing complex driving environments—from high-speed highways to densely populated urban areas such as Dubai’s business and financial districts. The system’s platform-based design allows for rapid adaptation across different vehicle types.

Mass production and deployment of these seventh-generation robotaxis are planned to begin in the second half of 2025 as part of Pony.ai’s global expansion. The company is collaborating with automotive manufacturers Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor to develop these vehicles.

In China, Pony.ai operates one of the largest autonomous ride-hailing fleets, with around 300 robotaxis servicing key locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Their experience navigating complex urban environments provides a scalable model that can be adapted to Dubai’s unique transport landscape.

Dr. Leo Wang, Pony.ai CFO, stated, “Dubai stands at the forefront of intelligent urban mobility innovation. We are proud to collaborate with the RTA to accelerate Dubai’s transition to autonomous transportation by bringing proven technology and operational expertise to the city.” He emphasized the goal of offering residents and visitors a driverless transport option that is safer, greener, and more convenient.

The project aligns with Dubai’s 2030 Smart City Vision, which aims to have 25% of the city’s transportation system operate autonomously by 2030. There are also plans to integrate robotaxi services with existing transport networks, including the metro, tram, and maritime routes.

Earlier, in October 2023, Pony.ai joined Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, reinforcing its commitment to the UAE’s autonomous vehicle ecosystem.

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