Dubai Leads Global Autonomous Mobility Revolution

Dubai is preparing to host one of the world’s most important events on autonomous mobility. The fourth Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport will open on Wednesday, 24 September, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will bring together innovators, government leaders, and technology experts from around the world.

The two-day Congress is held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council. It is a key step in Dubai’s mission to lead in smart, sustainable, and autonomous transport.

Redefining Mobility

Organized by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Congress runs under the theme “Redefining Mobility … The Path to Autonomy”. It highlights Dubai’s focus on innovation, self-driving vehicles, urban mobility, and sustainability.

The event expects over 3,000 participants, including government officials, industry leaders, researchers, and technology developers. There will be more than 80 speakers across 45 workshops and seminars. They will discuss future transport trends, autonomous technology, and urban mobility solutions.

A Global Platform for Innovation

The exhibition will host 50 leading companies showcasing their latest autonomous vehicle technology, AI-driven mobility solutions, and smart city infrastructure. Major participants include Baidu Apollo International, Uber, Pony.ai, and DEWA.

Visitors can see self-driving vehicles ready for deployment in Dubai by 2026. These demonstrations highlight Dubai’s progress toward integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday city life.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA, said:

“Hosting the Congress and the Challenge is a major step in Dubai’s journey to lead the future of smart mobility.”

He added that the event supports Dubai’s goal to be the world’s smartest city and create sustainable transport systems that improve the lives of residents.

Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy aims to make 25% of all trips in the city self-driving by 2030, showing its commitment to innovation and technology adoption.

Dubai Autonomous Transport Challenge

A highlight of the Congress is the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport. This year’s theme is “Dubai Autonomous Transport Zone.” The competition received a huge international response, with entries 170% higher than expected.

The final round features five teams, including four international consortia and one company. Each team must design a model urban district where different types of transport work together efficiently to serve residents.

The finalists are:

• WeRide / Deutsche Bahn consortium (China & Germany)
• BrightDrive / AlpLab / Shiptec / SeaBubbles consortium (Switzerland, France, UAE, Austria)
• Orcauboat / PIKMOVING / Heriot-Watt University Dubai consortium (UAE & China)
• SURAA / Arti consortium (Austria)
• Zelos Technology (Singapore & China)

Teams have passed technical reviews, field trials, and business plan evaluations. Winners will be announced on the opening day of the Congress.

Expert Speakers

The Congress will feature top speakers including Saeed Al Tayer, CEO of DEWA, and Sol Rashidi, the world’s first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Rashidi will deliver the opening keynote, sharing insights on AI and autonomous transport.

Other notable speakers include:

• Dr Steven Shladover, expert in self-driving technology from UC Berkeley
• Augustin Friedel, specialist in autonomous driving software at Porsche’s MHP
• Daan Roosegaarde, international innovator and NASA Innovation Team member

These experts will discuss emerging trends, technology, and practical solutions in autonomous mobility for cities.

Dubai’s Vision for Smart Mobility

Through the Congress and Challenge, RTA aims to make Dubai a living laboratory for autonomous transport. This approach helps test new technologies that lower costs, improve safety, and reduce congestion.

“RTA wants to attract global companies, universities, and research centers to develop solutions that advance Dubai’s smart transport vision,” said Mattar Al Tayer.

The event also allows knowledge sharing among global leaders, researchers, and government officials, positioning Dubai as a hub for autonomous transport innovation.

Real-World Technology Demonstrations

The Congress will show real-life applications, including self-driving cars, autonomous shuttles, and AI-driven transport systems. These demonstrations underline Dubai’s commitment to intelligent and sustainable urban transport.

Workshops will explore how autonomous mobility can integrate with existing infrastructure, including smart traffic systems, connected vehicles, and urban planning tools. Collaboration between government, private companies, and universities is helping Dubai implement advanced transport solutions effectively.

International Collaboration

Dubai’s approach emphasizes global partnerships. By inviting international experts and companies, the city shares knowledge and adopts best practices while contributing local innovations to the world.

This collaboration strengthens Dubai’s vision as a smart city, where technology, sustainability, and innovation create efficient and safe urban transport. The city is becoming a global testbed for autonomous solutions, attracting talent and investment from around the world.

Sustainable Urban Mobility

Sustainability is central to Dubai’s transport strategy. Autonomous vehicles and smart traffic systems can reduce carbon emissions, cut congestion, and lower transport costs.

The exhibition will feature electric self-driving shuttles, AI traffic systems, and smart mobility platforms, showing how Dubai is building a cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport system.

Moving Toward the Future

As Dubai hosts the fourth edition of the World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, the city continues to demonstrate global leadership in autonomous mobility.

The Congress highlights Dubai’s commitment to providing smart, safe, and sustainable transport for residents and visitors. By promoting innovation, collaboration, and real-world deployment, Dubai is moving closer to its goal of fully autonomous urban transport by 2030.

The event is not just a conference—it is a statement of Dubai’s commitment to redefining the future of mobility.