Pony AI, a leading Chinese autonomous driving startup, has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce its cutting-edge robotaxi fleet in the region. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing autonomous mobility in one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan areas.
According to a statement released by Pony.ai, the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RTA to deploy its advanced robotaxi fleet in Dubai. This initiative reflects Pony.ai’s dedication to driving forward autonomous driving technology in a city known for its innovation and forward-thinking approach.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency at RTA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its importance in advancing Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy. He highlighted the goal of transforming 25% of all journeys in the city into autonomous trips by 2030, positioning Dubai as a global leader in autonomous mobility and innovation.
Dr. Leo Wang, CFO of Pony.ai, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Dubai is at the forefront of intelligent urban mobility innovation, and we are proud to collaborate with RTA on this transformative initiative. By leveraging our proven autonomous driving technology and extensive fleet operation experience, we are committed to accelerating Dubai’s transition to autonomous transportation.”
Aligned with Dubai’s ambitious 2030 Smart City Vision, which aims to transition a quarter of the city’s transportation to autonomous mode by 2030, the partnership will introduce Pony.ai’s autonomous driving technology through a phased rollout. The initial supervised trials are scheduled to commence in 2025, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026.
Pony.ai plans to launch mass production and deployment of its seventh-generation robotaxis in the latter half of 2025, paving the way for global expansion. The company aims to scale up its robotaxi fleet to thousands of vehicles within the next two years, with 2025 set to mark the beginning of large-scale commercial deployment.
The company’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system, showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025, demonstrates technological maturity and readiness for widespread deployment. The advanced sensor array and platform-based design enable seamless adaptation across various vehicle types, catering to diverse operational environments.
Collaborating with industry leaders such as Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor, Pony.ai has developed its seventh-generation robotaxis for mass deployment, following successful trials in Shanghai. The company’s comprehensive robotaxi operation system, honed through years of operations in China, ensures fully automated processes from vehicle dispatch to service conclusion.
Pony.ai’s long-term vision includes integrating robotaxi services with Dubai’s existing multimodal transport network, comprising metro, tram, and maritime routes. This integration aims to create a seamless transportation ecosystem where autonomous vehicles complement traditional infrastructure, offering smoother journeys and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
With testing permits secured in major markets such as the United States, China, South Korea, and Luxembourg, Pony.ai’s partnership with Dubai marks a significant milestone in its global expansion, particularly in the Middle East. The company’s expertise in robotaxis, coupled with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, positions it as a key player in shaping the future of autonomous mobility in Dubai and beyond.
