Pony.ai Secures Permit for Autonomous Driving Trials in Dubai

Introduction to the Milestone

Pony.ai, a prominent player in the autonomous driving sector, has recently received a significant permit from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This approval allows the company to conduct autonomous driving trials on the emirate’s roads, marking a pivotal moment in its journey toward commercial deployment in the Middle East.

Context of the Announcement

This announcement follows the conclusion of the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 2025, which took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. As a key partner in 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 ambitious goal to transition 25% of urban trips to smart and autonomous modes by 2030. The event gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators, all focused on accelerating the adoption of self-driving technologies.

Reception at the Congress

Pony.ai’s presentation was well-received, generating considerable interest among government officials, industry experts, and potential partners. Attendees engaged in detailed discussions about Pony.ai’s full-stack self-driving technology and its plans for deployment in Dubai. The interactive booth facilitated meaningful exchanges, underscoring 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 designated areas. The company plans to launch its autonomous ride-hailing service commercially without a driver by 2026. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader objectives to enhance road safety, improve quality of life, and offer more efficient and sustainable transportation options for both residents and visitors.

Dr. James Peng, the Founder and CEO of Pony.ai, expressed confidence in Dubai’s supportive environment for emerging technologies. He highlighted the city’s robust transport infrastructure and public acceptance as key factors that will facilitate the large-scale adoption of autonomous driving technology. Pony.ai is dedicated to collaborating with local partners and regulators to expedite the rollout of its robotaxi services in Dubai and the wider Middle East region.

Partnership Developments

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 converting 25% of citywide trips to autonomous transport by 2030.

The year 2025 has been transformative for Pony.ai, as it began mass production of its seventh-generation autonomous driving system, unveiled in April. By August, the fleet had expanded to over 500 vehicles, covering more than 2,000 square kilometers in major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

Global Expansion Efforts

Pony.ai is committed to its vision of “autonomous mobility everywhere.” Recently, the company announced its entry into Singapore through a partnership with ComfortDelGro to deploy autonomous vehicles. Additionally, in September, Pony.ai collaborated with Mowasalat “Karwa,” Qatar’s leading transport service provider, to introduce self-driving technology on Qatari roads.

The company is also working with Uber to integrate its robotaxis into the Uber app, with initial deployments expected in the Middle East. Furthermore, Pony.ai is conducting on-road tests in Luxembourg in collaboration with Emile Weber and has launched 24/7 testing operations in Seoul’s Gangnam district.

Conclusion

Pony.ai’s recent achievements in Dubai and its ongoing global partnerships underscore its commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology. As the company prepares for commercial deployment in the Middle East, it continues to pave the way for a future where autonomous mobility is an integral part of urban transportation.