Pony.ai said on Friday it has partnered with Qatar’s state-owned transport operator Mowasalat to deploy Robotaxis on public roads in Doha, marking a step towards integrating driverless technology into the country’s transport system.
The initiative, part of Qatar’s National Vision 2030 strategy for sustainable development, will begin with testing vehicles under supervision of safety operators. The project will adapt Pony.ai’s autonomous driving technology to Qatar’s road infrastructure, weather conditions, and traffic dynamics.
“This deployment with Pony.ai marks a significant milestone in our journey towards realizing Qatar’s National Vision 2030,” said Mowasalat CEO Ahmed Hassan Al-Obaidly. He added the initiative “contributes to the sustainable development of Qatar’s infrastructure” and aligns with the company’s goals to “provide cutting-edge solutions for the people of Qatar.”
Pony.ai, which operates in markets including China, the United States, and Dubai, said the collaboration represents a major expansion of its presence in the Middle East. “Qatar presents a unique environment for autonomous driving deployment, and Mowasalat’s deep local knowledge makes it an ideal partner,” said Dr. James Peng, chairman and CEO of Pony.ai.
Mowasalat, fully owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, manages the country’s largest fleet of taxis, buses, and limousines, and previously coordinated transport services during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The company said the trials are expected to transition over time from supervised tests to wider-scale deployment of autonomous services.
