Dubai Leads Future Mobility with Sheikh Hamdan’s Self-Driving Vision
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, officially opened the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 2025. This event marks a major step for Dubai in becoming a global leader in smart and autonomous transport.
Sheikh Hamdan said that Dubai aims to be the world’s most future-ready city. “We want to adopt innovations that improve quality of life and make Dubai a hub for AI-driven mobility and smart technologies,” he explained. The congress reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Innovation on Display: 55 Leading Exhibitors
The two-day event features 55 global exhibitors showing the latest in self-driving cars, autonomous buses, robotics, AI, and smart transport solutions. The congress allows experts, researchers, and technology companies to present new ideas and solutions for safer, smarter, and more efficient urban mobility.
Visitors can see autonomous vehicles with AI systems, interactive passenger entertainment, and other innovations designed to make travel easier, safer, and more enjoyable. This demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to becoming a living lab for future transport technologies.
Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy
The congress is part of Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, a key initiative under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The strategy aims to double Dubai’s economic size and strengthen its global leadership in technology and innovation.
Sheikh Hamdan explained that Dubai uses an integrated approach: it focuses on research, investment, and adopting new technologies. “Our goal is to create a model for autonomous transport that the world can follow,” he said. The strategy supports smart city goals, digital economy growth, and AI-based transport solutions.
Dubai Future Ride: Redefining Passenger Experiences
A major highlight of the event is the ‘Dubai Future Ride’ initiative. This is the new brand for all self-driving vehicles in Dubai. These autonomous vehicles will offer AI-powered interactive entertainment and a more comfortable, engaging experience for passengers.
Currently, more than 60 autonomous taxis are being tested in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim by three leading global companies. The service is planned for full commercial launch in 2026, allowing passengers to travel without a driver.
The Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy aims to increase autonomous trips from 20.4% today to 25% by 2030, and to 36% by 2040. This shows Dubai’s commitment to making self-driving vehicles a key part of urban transport.
Smart and Sustainable Mobility
Dubai’s focus on autonomous transport is part of its sustainability goals. Self-driving vehicles help reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improve road safety.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that AI and smart mobility technologies are helping Dubai create a safer, greener city. By using autonomous transport, Dubai is also preparing for future urban challenges and maintaining its position as a global leader in smart and sustainable cities.
Driving Innovation and Investment
The congress also highlights Dubai’s efforts to attract global investment and talent. Sheikh Hamdan explained that autonomous transport is not just about technology; it is also an economic priority. It attracts researchers, startups, and investors from around the world.
Dubai aims to create a full ecosystem for testing and developing autonomous transport solutions. By working with technology providers, researchers, and global companies, Dubai is ensuring that its Self-Driving Transport Strategy becomes a model for cities worldwide.
Global Knowledge Sharing
The Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 2025 has drawn over 3,000 participants, including senior officials, researchers, developers, and technology experts. More than 80 speakers shared insights on AI transport, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
The event allows global knowledge exchange, giving participants a chance to learn from pilot projects, successful case studies, and new research. This helps Dubai remain a leader in autonomous transport and smart city solutions.
Economic Impact of Autonomous Transport
Autonomous transport is also a key driver of Dubai’s economic growth. It supports the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by integrating self-driving vehicles, smart infrastructure, and AI-powered services.
The benefits go beyond convenience. They include job creation, research opportunities, investment, and innovation, helping Dubai maintain its global leadership in future industries.
Looking Ahead: Dubai 2025–2040
Dubai plans to expand its autonomous transport system with driverless taxis, buses, and AI-based passenger experiences. Sheikh Hamdan said that Dubai Future Ride will become a global benchmark for smart city mobility.
By combining AI, robotics, and autonomous transport, Dubai is not only preparing for the future but also leading the way in shaping global urban mobility.
Dubai’s Global Leadership in Autonomous Mobility
Dubai continues to attract international attention for its pioneering autonomous transport initiatives. Through government support, technology adoption, and global collaboration, the city is setting new standards in smart, safe, and sustainable mobility.
The congress shows that Dubai is committed to creating a future-ready city, combining innovation, sustainability, and advanced technology for residents and visitors alike.
