Autonomous driving company Pony.ai has secured approval from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to begin testing its driverless vehicles on public roads, the company said on Monday. The permit marks a significant step in its plan to introduce commercial robotaxi services in the Middle East.
The pilot program will allow Pony.ai to conduct trials in designated parts of Dubai, following a partnership with the RTA announced earlier this year. The company aims to launch a full driverless ride-hailing service in the emirate by 2026, supporting Dubai’s target of making 25% of urban transport autonomous by 2030.
Pony.ai presented its robotaxi model at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 2025, emphasizing integration with the city’s public transport network. Officials have said autonomous mobility is expected to improve road safety, cut congestion, and contribute to more sustainable urban living.
The Dubai deployment forms part of Pony.ai’s wider expansion strategy. The company has announced collaborations with ComfortDelGro in Singapore and Mowasalat “Karwa” in Qatar, and it is working with Uber to integrate robotaxis into the ride-hailing platform for the Middle East. Pony.ai also continues to test vehicles in Luxembourg and operates around-the-clock trials in Seoul.
Founded in 2016, Pony.ai has built a fleet of more than 500 vehicles across China’s largest cities, supported by its seventh-generation autonomous driving system. The company says its long-term mission is to deliver scalable, safe, and commercially viable self-driving technology worldwide.