Dubai Grants First Autonomous Vehicle Testing Permits to Baidu, WeRide, and Pony.ai
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has issued the first permits allowing on-road trials of autonomous vehicles to three leading companies in the sector: Baidu’s Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai. The authorization marks a key milestone in the emirate’s strategy to integrate self-driving technology into its transportation system.
The permits enable the three companies to begin live testing of their autonomous vehicles on Dubai’s urban roads, under the supervision and regulation of the RTA. The trials are intended to evaluate how the vehicles perform in the local driving environment and to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
This development follows formal agreements signed earlier in the year between the RTA and each of the three firms. The partnerships are part of Dubai’s broader initiative to advance its Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all trips in the emirate autonomous by 2030.
By working with Baidu, WeRide, and Pony.ai—companies recognized for their global expertise in autonomous mobility—the RTA seeks to build a regulatory and operational framework that supports the safe and efficient deployment of driverless technology. The move aligns with Dubai’s objective to establish itself as a global leader in smart and sustainable urban mobility.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.
Oksana Bozhko
