Pony.ai Secures Permit for Autonomous Driving Trials in Dubai
A Significant Milestone
On September 26, 2025, Pony.ai, a prominent player in the field of autonomous driving technology, announced that it has received official approval from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to conduct autonomous driving trials on the emirate’s roads. This achievement follows the company’s earlier partnership with the RTA, which was revealed earlier this year, and signifies a crucial step toward the commercial rollout of autonomous vehicles in the Middle East.
Highlights from the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport
This announcement coincides with the conclusion of the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on September 25. As a key partner of the event, Pony.ai showcased its advanced autonomous driving technologies, including a robotaxi model that is set to be deployed in Dubai. The Congress, themed “Redefining Mobility: The Path to Autonomy,” emphasized Dubai’s ambition to convert 25% of urban trips into smart and autonomous journeys by 2030. The event attracted policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators, all focused on accelerating the adoption of self-driving technologies.
Engaging with Industry Leaders
Pony.ai’s presentation at the Congress received positive feedback from attendees, including government officials, industry experts, and potential collaborators. The company’s interactive booth facilitated meaningful discussions about its full-stack self-driving technology and its plans for deployment in Dubai. This engagement underscores Pony.ai’s commitment to providing safe and scalable autonomous mobility solutions.
Pilot Testing and Future Plans
With the newly acquired testing permit, Pony.ai has commenced pilot testing in select areas of Dubai. The company aims to launch its driverless service commercially by 2026. The long-term vision includes integrating autonomous ride-hailing services into Dubai’s public transport network, aligning with the city’s broader goals of enhancing road safety, improving the quality of life, and offering more efficient and sustainable mobility options for both residents and visitors.
Insights from Leadership
Dr. James Peng, Founder and CEO of Pony.ai, expressed confidence in Dubai’s robust transport infrastructure and supportive policy environment. He noted that these factors contribute to the potential for large-scale adoption of autonomous driving technology. Dr. Peng emphasized the importance of collaboration with local partners and regulators to accelerate the deployment of robotaxi services in Dubai and the wider Middle East region.
Recent Developments and Global Expansion
Pony.ai’s partnership with Dubai’s RTA was first announced in May, followed by a robotaxi reveal ceremony in July. Together, they are advancing the development and deployment of Level 4 autonomous mobility solutions, supporting Dubai’s goal of transforming 25% of city trips into autonomous transport by 2030.
The year 2025 has been pivotal for Pony.ai, as it began mass production and deployment of its seventh-generation autonomous driving system, unveiled in April. By August, the company had expanded its fleet to over 500 vehicles, covering more than 2,000 square kilometers across four major cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Expanding Global Footprint
In line with its vision of “autonomous mobility everywhere,” Pony.ai is actively expanding its global presence. Recently, the company announced its entry into Singapore through a partnership with ComfortDelGro to deploy autonomous vehicles. Earlier in September, Pony.ai also collaborated with Mowasalat “Karwa,” Qatar’s leading transport service provider, to introduce self-driving technology on Qatari roads.
Additionally, Pony.ai is working with the global ride-hailing platform Uber to integrate its robotaxis into the Uber app, with initial deployments expected in the Middle East. The company is also conducting on-road tests in Luxembourg in collaboration with Emile Weber and has initiated 24/7 testing operations in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
As Pony.ai continues to innovate and expand, its efforts in Dubai and beyond are setting the stage for a new era of autonomous transportation.
