The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has unveiled five initial routes for the test run of driverless heavy vehicles across the emirate, as part of a newly sanctioned regulatory framework.
These routes include Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port Rail Freight Terminal, Dubai Investments Park, and Ibn Battuta Mall. The trials will be “closely monitored,” with some routes supervised by a safety driver while others are designated for autonomous operation.
Announced on Sunday, the framework for autonomous heavy vehicle logistics transport introduces regulatory standards for licensing, trial assessments, technology requirements, and other safety measures.
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Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA, stated that this framework is “a major step towards fulfilling Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all journeys autonomous by 2030.”
Dubai currently has a fleet of 61,290 heavy vehicles weighing between 3.5 to 65 tonnes, according to the RTA. The framework is also in line with the Dubai Commercial and Logistics Land Transport Strategy 2030, aiming to double the sector’s economic contribution to Dh16.8 billion, boost tech adoption by 75%, reduce carbon emissions by 30%, and enhance efficiency by 10%.
This initiative builds on Dubai’s previous efforts to incorporate autonomous mobility within its transport network. Recently, three Chinese firms — Baidu’s Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai — received permission to test driverless cars in specified urban areas in Dubai.
In a trial covered by Khaleej Times, an Apollo Go self-driving taxi was tested on Jumeirah Road, reaching speeds up to 72kmph and performing lane changes while monitored by a safety driver. Passengers enjoyed comfort features like massage-enabled rear seats with various modes.
Al Tayer expressed enthusiasm for the involvement of Dubai’s land commercial and logistics transport companies and global leaders in the initial trials of future mobility solutions.
Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy aims to make 25% of all journeys autonomous by 2030. Photo: Dubai RTA
The pilot phase marks the second stage of the regulatory framework. The first phase concentrated on defining key pillars and directions, ensuring safety compliance, enhancing sustainability, attracting investors, achieving tech leadership, and setting standards for autonomous vehicle licensing.
RTA has also introduced the digital logistics platform ‘Logisty’ in partnership with TruKKer. This platform offers commercial transport services, fleet management, and on-demand booking and tracking, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a regional logistics hub.
