Pony.ai, a key player in autonomous mobility solutions, has entered into a partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to deploy its cutting-edge robotaxi fleet in one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan hubs.
The collaboration falls in line with Dubai’s 2030 Smart City Vision, which aims to transform 25 percent of the city’s transportation to autonomous mode by 2030. The partnership will introduce Pony.ai’s autonomous driving technology through a multi-phase rollout. Initial supervised trials are scheduled to launch in 2025, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026.
Dr. Leo Wang, CFO of Pony.ai, stated that, “Dubai stands at the forefront of intelligent urban mobility innovation, and we are honored to collaborate with RTA on this transformative initiative. By combining our proven autonomous driving technology and extensive fleet operation experience, we are committed to accelerating Dubai’s transition to autonomous transportation.”
Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan CEO – RTA’s Public Transport Agency
“The collaboration with Pony.ai marks another significant milestone in advancing Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy. This partnership is integral to our goal of transforming 25 percent of all journeys in the city into autonomous trips by 2030, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in autonomous mobility and innovation. We are excited to work with Pony.ai, a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, to further enhance the integration of smart transport solutions in Dubai.”
Pony.ai plans to begin mass production and deployment of its seventh-generation robotaxis in the second half of 2025. As part of its global expansion strategy, the company aims to ramp up its robotaxi fleet to thousands of vehicles within the next 2 years, positioning 2025 as the inaugural year for large-scale commercial deployment.
For vehicle production, Pony.ai teams up with industry key players such as Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor to develop its seventh-generation robotaxis. Mass deployment is scheduled for later this year following the vehicles’ successful launch in Shanghai in April.
The company has established a comprehensive robotaxi operation system, featuring fully automated processes from vehicle dispatch to service conclusion. In China, Pony.ai stands out as the first autonomous driving company to provide fully driverless ride-hailing services across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
“We’ve built up real expertise in robotaxis from years of operations in China, and now we’re bringing that know-how to Dubai. Our goal is to give residents and visitors here driverless tech that’s not just greener and safer, but genuinely makes getting around this city easier for everyone,” stated Leo Wang.
The company also plans to integrate robotaxi services with Dubai’s multimodal transport network encompassing metro, tram, and maritime routes, aimed at cultivating a future where autonomous vehicles complement existing infrastructure, enabling seamless journeys while minimizing the city’s carbon footprint.
Furthermore, Pony.ai has obtained robotaxi testing permits across four major markets, including the United States, China, South Korea, and Luxembourg. The partnership with Dubai RTA further extends its global presence and marks a key milestone in its Middle Eastern expansion.
