Hamdan Bin Mohammed Inaugurates Dubai World Self-Driving Transport Exhibition To Showcase Innovations
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, officially opened the Dubai World Self-Driving Transport Exhibition. This event, organised by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), took place with H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, also in attendance.
The exhibition is part of the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport. It has attracted over 3,000 participants globally and features more than 80 speakers. These include senior officials, researchers, and experts in advanced self-driving technologies.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai's commitment to becoming a global leader in innovation and future technologies. He stated: "Dubai continues to strengthen its status as a global hub for innovation and future-driven technologies." The city aims to be the most future-ready globally by adopting innovations that enhance quality of life.
The exhibition showcases 55 exhibitors from leading companies displaying innovations in self-driving vehicles and buses. Robotics and artificial intelligence technologies are also featured. TENSOR introduced its self-driving vehicles to the region for the first time, while XPENG presented its autonomous aircraft.
The Self-Driving Transport Strategy is integral to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This agenda aims to double the emirate’s economy size and solidify its global leadership across various sectors. The strategy prioritises research, development, investment attraction, and cutting-edge technology adoption.
During the event, Their Highnesses were briefed on the self-driving taxi service launch updates. Three major companies — Baidu Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai — have started pilot operations with over 60 self-driving vehicles in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. The commercial launch without drivers is planned for 2026.
Future Plans for Self-Driving Transport
The Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2025–2040 aims to increase autonomous transport trips from 20.4% currently to 25% by 2030 and 36% by 2040. This strategy will help reinforce Dubai’s position as a pioneer in sustainability and a living laboratory for future advancements.
Mattar Al Tayer from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority briefed Their Highnesses on a unified visual identity for all self-driving vehicles under 'Dubai Future Ride'. These vehicles will provide passengers with an exceptional experience through interactive entertainment screens powered by artificial intelligence.
The exhibition also included vehicles from five consortia participating in the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport. This highlights Dubai's role as a leader in sustainable mobility solutions worldwide.
With inputs from WAM
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