Pony.ai announced today that it has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to deploy its advanced robotaxi fleet in the region. The collaboration will introduce Pony.ai’s autonomous driving technology through a multi-phase rollout. Initial supervised trials are set to launch in 2025, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026.
The collaboration underscores Pony.ai’s commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology in one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan hubs.
“The collaboration with Pony.ai marks another significant milestone in advancing Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy. This partnership is integral to our goal of transforming 25 percent of all journeys in the city into autonomous trips by 2030, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in autonomous mobility and innovation,” stated Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of public transport agency at RTA.
Dubai accelerates transition to autonomous transportation
As a global leader in autonomous mobility solutions, Pony.ai plans to start mass production and deployment of its seventh-generation robotaxis in the second half of 2025. This initiative will lay a robust foundation for the company’s global expansion.
The company also aims to ramp up its robotaxi fleet globally to thousands of vehicles within the next 2 years, positioning 2025 as the inaugural year for large-scale commercial deployment. This accelerated timeline is enabled by technological maturity, vehicle engineering and operational readiness.
“Dubai stands at the forefront of intelligent urban mobility innovation, and we are honored to collaborate with RTA on this transformative initiative. By combining our proven autonomous driving technology and extensive fleet operation experience, we are committed to accelerating Dubai’s transition to autonomous transportation,” commented Dr. Leo Wang, CFO of Pony.ai.
Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system, recently showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025, exemplifies this technological readiness. The AD kit hardware suite achieves a 70 percent BOM cost reduction while meeting stringent automotive-grade standards. Its advanced sensor array also handles complex scenarios ranging from high-speed highways to crowded urban centers like Dubai’s business and financial districts. The platform-based design enables rapid adaptation across different vehicle types.
Pony.ai brings China’s experience to Dubai
For vehicle production, Pony.ai collaborates with industry leaders, including Toyota, GAC Motor and BAIC Motor to develop its seventh-generation robotaxis. Mass deployment is slated for later this year following the vehicles’ successful debut in Shanghai in April.
The company has established a comprehensive robotaxi operation system featuring fully automated processes from vehicle dispatch to service conclusion. In China, Pony.ai was the first autonomous driving company to offer fully driverless ride-hailing services across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Its fleet of around 300 robotaxis serves key hubs such as Beijing South Railway Station and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, while navigating complex environments such as Shenzhen’s densely populated Nanshan District, demonstrating scalable solutions adaptable to global urban environments.
“We’ve built up real expertise in robotaxis from years of operations in China, and now we’re bringing that know-how to Dubai. Our goal is to give residents and visitors here driverless tech that’s not just greener and safer, but genuinely makes getting around this city easier for everyone,” added Wang.
Company to integrate robotaxis with Dubai’s transport network
Long-term plans include integrating robotaxi services with Dubai’s multimodal transport network — encompassing metro, tram and maritime routes — to create a future where autonomous vehicles complement existing infrastructure, enabling smoother journeys and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
To date, Pony.ai has secured robotaxi testing permits across four major markets, including the United States, China, South Korea and Luxembourg. The new partnership with Dubai further extends its global presence and represents a milestone in its expansion in the Middle East.
