Pony.ai has entered a strategic partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to bring its advanced robotaxi fleet to the region, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion efforts.
This collaboration is in line with Dubai’s 2030 Smart City Vision, which aims to convert 25% of the city’s transportation to autonomous mode by the end of the decade.
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The phased rollout will commence with supervised trials in 2025, progressing to fully driverless operations by 2026.
The autonomous mobility solutions provider, Pony.ai, is set to begin mass production of its seventh-generation robotaxis in the latter half of 2025.
The company’s ambitious plan includes scaling up its fleet to thousands of vehicles worldwide within the next two years, with 2025 earmarked as the year for large-scale commercial deployment.
Pony.ai said, this timeline is supported by advancements in technology, vehicle engineering, and operational preparedness.
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By GlobalDataAt Auto Shanghai 2025, Pony.ai showcased its seventh-generation autonomous driving system, which is designed to handle complex driving scenarios.
The system’s hardware suite has achieved a significant cost reduction and meets the highest automotive-grade standards.
Its sensor array is capable of navigating both high-speed highways and crowded urban areas like those in Dubai’s business districts.
The platform’s design allows for quick adaptation to various vehicle models, the company said.
In collaboration with industry giants such as Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor, Pony.ai is preparing for the mass deployment of its robotaxis following their successful introduction in Shanghai earlier this year.
In China, Pony.ai operates a fleet of approximately 300 robotaxis, providing fully driverless ride-hailing services in major cities and demonstrating the scalability of its solutions.
Looking ahead, Pony.ai plans to integrate its robotaxi services with Dubai’s multimodal transport network, which includes metro, tram, and maritime routes.
The goal is to complement the existing infrastructure, facilitate seamless travel, and contribute to reducing the city’s carbon emissions.
With testing permits in the US, China, South Korea, and Luxembourg, and now the partnership with Dubai, Pony.ai continues to extend its global reach and establish its presence in the Middle East.
