Dubai has taken a significant leap toward its smart mobility ambitions with the launch of a 15-square-kilometre Self-Driving Transport Zone, unveiled at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 2025. The zone makes Dubai one of the first cities in the world to operate an integrated autonomous land-and-marine mobility ecosystem at scale.
What the Self-Driving Transport Zone Covers
The zone spans Al Jaddaf Metro Station, Dubai Festival City, and Dubai Creek Harbour, creating a fully connected hub where autonomous vehicles and vessels operate side by side. Residents and visitors gain access to seven modes of driverless mobility, designed to offer flexible choices based on speed, cost, and convenience:
- Dubai Metro connectivity — seamless integration with existing public transport on the Green Line - Self-driving bus — group mobility across the district - Autonomous logistics vehicle — goods and cargo movement - Robotic road-cleaning vehicle — supporting urban sustainability - Autonomous delivery robot — last-mile services - RoboTaxi — point-to-point driverless rides (rolling out Q1 2026) - Driverless abra — a traditional wooden boat reimagined with autonomous navigation, blending cultural heritage with cutting-edge innovation
This combination makes Dubai among the first cities to launch a mixed land-and-marine self-driving ecosystem at operational scale.
Sheikh Ahmed Inaugurates the Congress
The zone was reviewed and launched by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, during the inauguration of the fourth edition of the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Congress drew more than 3,000 participants and over 80 speakers from around the world.
Dubai World Challenge Winners: $3 Million Prize Pool
As part of the Congress, Sheikh Ahmed oversaw the awards ceremony for the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport 2025, which carried a total prize pool of $3 million:
- First place went to a consortium of WeRide and Deutsche Bahn, which presented an integrated solution combining a self-driving taxi with a self-driving bus — earning a $900,000 prize and a robotaxi trial permit from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). - Second place went to Zealous Technology from Singapore for a comprehensive autonomous heavy-goods transport and last-mile logistics solution, winning $300,000. - The remaining $1.8 million from the prize fund will be deployed to support and scale operations within the new self-driving transport zone itself.
Dubai's Autonomous Transport Vision for 2030
The launch supports Dubai's broader commitment to reducing congestion, cutting carbon emissions, and improving urban efficiency through next-generation technologies. Officials confirmed the zone will serve as a real-world testbed for global innovators, giving companies the opportunity to pilot autonomous mobility solutions under live urban conditions.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has set a clear target: 25% of all trips in the emirate to be autonomous by 2030. RoboTaxis are expected to begin operations in Q1 2026, with all seven transport modes rolling out through mid-2027 and eventual expansion to other areas of the city.
By integrating self-driving buses, taxis, delivery systems, and traditional abras into one ecosystem at Dubai Creek Harbour and Festival City, Dubai is demonstrating how smart mobility can transform urban living — and reinforcing its reputation as a city where heritage, innovation, and sustainability meet.
