Pony.ai and Dubai’s Path to Autonomous Mobility: A Transformative Partnership

DUBAI, UAE, May 27, 2025 — In a groundbreaking collaboration, Pony.ai (NASDAQ: PONY) has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to deploy a fleet of advanced robotaxis in one of the world’s most vibrant metropolitan regions. This partnership not only highlights Pony.ai’s commitment to autonomous driving technology but also aligns with Dubai’s ambitious vision to redefine urban mobility.

The Significance of the Collaboration

According to Mr. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at RTA, this partnership marks a pivotal milestone in advancing Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy. The objective is to transition 25% of all journeys in the city to autonomous trips by 2030, establishing Dubai as a global leader in innovation and smart transport solutions.

"Working with Pony.ai, a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, allows us to seamlessly integrate these advancements into our existing transport framework," Bahrozyan stated. This collaboration underscores Dubai’s aspiration to harness technological innovations and enhance its public transport landscape significantly.

The Roadmap to Deployment

Pony.ai aims to align its operational plans with the RTA’s 2030 Smart City Vision. The collaboration will unfold through a multi-phase rollout, beginning with supervised trials scheduled for 2025. Following these initial stages, fully driverless operations are anticipated to start in 2026.

Dr. Leo Wang, CFO of Pony.ai, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "Dubai stands at the forefront of intelligent urban mobility innovation. We are committed to accelerating its transition to autonomous transportation through our proven technology and experience."

Technological Advancements Behind Pony.ai’s Robotaxis

Pony.ai’s seventh-generation robotaxis are set to launch mass production in the latter half of 2025. Featuring an advanced autonomous driving system showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025, these vehicles exhibit a 70% BOM cost reduction while adhering to stringent automotive-grade standards. This remarkable technology equips the vehicles to navigate complex environments, from high-speed highways to crowded urban centers, making them particularly suited for Dubai’s business and financial districts.

The seamless platform-based design of the robotaxis allows for rapid adaptability across different vehicle types, ensuring flexibility in operations. Collaborations with industry giants like Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor have been crucial in this vehicle development process.

A Vision for Global Expansion

As part of its strategic goals, Pony.ai plans to expand its robotaxi fleet globally, aiming to deploy thousands of vehicles within the next two years. 2025 is projected to be a landmark year for large-scale commercial deployments, enabled by technological advancements and operational readiness.

The company is not new to the autonomous driving landscape, having achieved significant milestones in China. Pony.ai was the first firm to offer fully driverless ride-hailing services across major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

Integrating Autonomous Mobility into Existing Frameworks

Pony.ai’s long-term vision includes integrating robotaxi services with Dubai’s multimodal transport network, which encompasses metro, tram, and maritime routes. This comprehensive approach is designed to create a future where autonomous vehicles enhance existing infrastructure, resulting in streamlined journeys and a reduced carbon footprint throughout the city.

“By bringing our expertise from operations in China to Dubai, we aim to provide an autonomous driving experience that is not just safer and greener but also convenient for residents and visitors alike,” Leo Wang added, emphasizing the transformative potential of this initiative.

Expanding Global Reach

The partnership with Dubai further extends Pony.ai’s global presence and represents a significant milestone in its expansion into the Middle East. With testing permits secured across major markets such as the United States, China, South Korea, and Luxembourg, this move positions Pony.ai as a frontrunner in the autonomous mobility sector.

As the company embarks on this new venture in Dubai, its focus remains on delivering innovative, scalable solutions that align with the city’s vision for a smarter, more sustainable future.