Dubai’s Vision for the Future: The 5th Edition of the World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport
A New Era of Smart Infrastructure
Mattar Al Tayer, the director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), recently unveiled plans for the 5th edition of the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, set for 2027. This year’s theme, “Smart Integrated Infrastructure,” aims to push the boundaries of urban mobility by integrating advanced technologies into the very fabric of city life.
Embracing Digital Technologies
The challenge invites companies to innovate and design systems that leverage digital technologies, including sensors, internet connectivity, and data analytics. The goal is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of urban and public services. Participants will focus on creating infrastructure that not only integrates its core components but also prioritizes sustainability to minimize environmental impact. By harnessing intelligent data analysis, the challenge aims to improve overall performance in urban settings.
Highlights from the Dubai World Congress
This announcement was made during the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event attracted over 3,000 participants from around the globe and featured more than 80 speakers, including senior officials, researchers, and industry experts in the field of autonomous mobility.
Strategic Partnerships for Innovation
During the congress, RTA signed four significant agreements with key players in the industry, including Emaar Properties and Al-Futtaim Group. Notably, the winners of the 2025 Dubai World Challenge—WeRide and Deutsche Bahn, along with Zelos Technology—were also part of these agreements. These partnerships are designed to showcase and test cutting-edge self-driving technologies in real-world scenarios.
Launching the Dubai Autonomous Transport Zone
The signing of two agreements between RTA, Emaar Properties, and Al-Futtaim Group marks a significant step toward establishing the Dubai Autonomous Transport Zone. This initiative will be located in the Festival City and Creek Harbour districts, aiming to create a dedicated space for testing and developing autonomous transport solutions.
The agreements were formalized by Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency for RTA; Ahmad Thani Al Matrooshi, executive director of Emaar Properties; and Naaman Atallah, president of Al-Futtaim Real Estate.
Collaborations with Leading Tech Firms
In addition to the agreements with Emaar and Al-Futtaim, Al Tayer also witnessed the signing of two agreements with the consortium of WeRide and Deutsche Bahn, as well as Zelos Technology. These partnerships focus on exchanging expertise and exploring opportunities to test self-driving technologies in Dubai, furthering the development of innovative solutions in sustainable and smart mobility.
The agreements were signed by key representatives, including Jennifer Li, CFO and head of International Affairs at WeRide, and Wang Yongbo, UAE General Manager of Zelos Technology.
A Commitment to Smart Mobility
Al Tayer emphasized that these agreements reflect Dubai’s vision to become the smartest city globally and its ambition to serve as a testing ground for future technologies. He reiterated RTA’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions that enhance the ecosystem of sustainable and smart mobility in the city.
He stated, “Investment in self-driving transport technologies is a key pillar of digital transformation. It supports our efforts to provide advanced services that improve customer happiness and quality of life.” The agreements signed during the congress are a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport.
A Global Platform for Innovation
The Dubai World Congress serves as a vital platform for international and startup companies to develop practical technologies that advance smart mobility. These innovations are crucial for enhancing road safety and facilitating the movement of people through integrated solutions. The focus is on reducing reliance on private vehicles and addressing existing urban challenges, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport ecosystem.
As Dubai continues to pave the way for the future of urban mobility, the upcoming World Challenge promises to be a significant milestone in the journey toward smarter, more integrated transport solutions.
