Dubai Self-Driving Transport: RTA World Congress & Challenge
Dubai continues to lead the global race toward intelligent mobility with the launch of the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport 2025. Organized by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), this landmark event highlights the emirate’s bold vision for Dubai self-driving transport and its transformation into a hub for autonomous vehicles Dubai. Scheduled for 24–25 September 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Congress will bring together more than three thousand delegates, over eighty speakers, and fifty exhibitors under the theme “Redefining Mobility … The Path to Autonomy.”
About the Dubai World Congress and Challenge
The Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport is designed to accelerate RTA smart mobility goals and create a model urban district where autonomous vehicles integrate seamlessly with public and private transport. This year’s challenge adopts the theme “Dubai Autonomous Transport Zone,” calling on international consortia to present forward-thinking solutions for smart transportation. Applications for participation exceeded expectations by one hundred and seventy percent, underscoring the strong global interest in Dubai’s leadership role in self-driving mobility.
Global Participants and Strategic Partnerships
The Congress will showcase innovations from international firms and institutions, including Baidu Apollo, Pony.ai, Uber, and DEWA, along with European and Asian technology partners. Five finalists, consisting of four global consortia and one company, will compete to design a future district where autonomous vehicles Dubai can deliver sustainable, efficient, and user-friendly transport. Their solutions cover land, marine, and logistics applications, demonstrating Dubai’s holistic approach to redefining mobility.
RTA Smart Mobility Vision
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is committed to making twenty-five percent of all trips in the city self-driving by 2030. The RTA smart mobility strategy aims to improve safety, cut congestion, and enhance sustainability, while making autonomous transport accessible to both residents and visitors. Field tests have already been conducted in China to evaluate performance under real-world conditions, with assessment criteria focusing on safety, operational efficiency, and commercial viability. These efforts align with Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in future transport technologies.
Dubai’s Position in the Global Autonomous Vehicle Landscape
Worldwide, autonomous vehicles are moving from pilot projects into real-world applications, from robo-taxis to self-driving buses and logistics robots. By hosting the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, Dubai positions itself not only as a regional pioneer but also as a global reference point for smart transportation. The event strengthens the emirate’s reputation as a smart city, fosters international partnerships, and accelerates the adoption of advanced autonomous mobility solutions.
Benefits for Dubai Residents
For the people of Dubai, the rise of self-driving transport means more choice, safer journeys, reduced travel costs, and improved connections across the city. Autonomous buses, shuttles, and even marine transport will contribute to smoother, greener commutes while supporting Dubai’s sustainability goals. This people-centric approach ensures that the adoption of autonomous vehicles Dubai directly benefits the daily lives of commuters and enhances the overall transport ecosystem.
Related RTA Initiatives
The Congress builds on other RTA projects such as the Self-Driving Transport Strategy and pilot trials with Pony.ai, which aim to expand Dubai self-driving transport across multiple modes. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Dubai’s long-term investment in smart city development and its readiness to embrace disruptive mobility technologies.