Dubai Hosts Global Congress on Self-Driving Transport

A Landmark Event in Smart Mobility

The upcoming two-day event in Dubai, organized under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, is set to be a significant milestone in the realm of smart mobility. This congress will not only feature discussions on innovative transport solutions but will also announce the winners of the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport.

Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its importance in positioning Dubai as a leader in future mobility solutions. He emphasized that this congress aligns with the emirate’s vision to enhance the sustainability of its transport ecosystem, ultimately benefiting the community.

Advancing Dubai’s Smart Transport Vision

Al Tayer remarked, “This global event reflects the vision of the wise leadership to position Dubai as the world’s smartest city.” He noted that the congress is part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to implement Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all journeys in the emirate into self-driving trips by 2030. This ambitious goal underscores Dubai’s commitment to embracing autonomous mobility.

The congress is expected to attract over 3,000 international delegates and will feature more than 45 workshops and seminars. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from over 80 speakers, including industry leaders and experts in the field of autonomous transport.

Notable Speakers to Look Forward To

Among the distinguished keynote speakers are:

• Saeed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA
• Sol Rashidi, the world’s first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and a former executive at leading North American startups
• Dr. Steven Shladover, a veteran researcher in self-driving technologies from the University of California, Berkeley
• Augustin Friedel, Associate Partner at MHP – a Porsche company
• Daan Roosegaarde, a global innovator and member of NASA’s Innovation Team

These speakers will share insights and advancements in the field, contributing to the overall goal of enhancing smart mobility in Dubai.

Exhibition of Cutting-Edge Technologies

In addition to the congress, a dedicated exhibition will showcase smart mobility technologies from over 50 global companies. Notable participants include Baidu Apollo International Ltd, DEWA, Uber, Pony.ai, Tensor, and Space42. Attendees will also have the chance to experience self-driving vehicles that are scheduled for deployment in 2026, providing a glimpse into the future of transportation.

The Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport

The World Challenge, themed “Dubai Autonomous Transport Zone,” has garnered significant interest, with applications exceeding expectations by 170%. Five finalists have emerged from this competitive pool:

• WeRide / Deutsche Bahn consortium (China and Germany)
• BrightDrive / AlpLab / Shiptec / SeaBubbles consortium (Switzerland, France, UAE, Austria)
• Orcauboat / PIKMOVING / Heriot-Watt University consortium (UAE and China)
• SURAA / Arti consortium (Austria)
• Zelos Technology (Singapore and China)

Final field tests for these finalists were conducted in accordance with international standards, and the winners will be announced on the opening day of the congress. The Challenge aims to accelerate the adoption of self-driving transport, addressing critical issues such as first-and-last mile connectivity, congestion, and the limited uptake of public transport.

Evaluation Criteria for Participants

Applicants for the World Challenge were assessed based on several criteria, including credibility, future vision, and expertise. Evaluations also included technical reviews, field trials, business plans, and operational viability. This thorough assessment process ensures that only the most promising solutions are recognized and rewarded.

Self-driving mobility is a cornerstone of the RTA’s long-term strategy, with the ultimate aim of transforming 25% of all journeys in Dubai into self-driving trips by 2030. As the city continues to innovate and lead in smart transport solutions, this congress represents a pivotal moment in the journey toward a more autonomous future.