Pony.ai expands into the Middle East amid a growing regional focus on smart mobility and technological innovation. On May 27, the California-based autonomous driving company signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The partnership will facilitate the deployment of Pony.ai’s advanced robotaxi fleet across the UAE.

This partnership allows Pony.ai to enter Dubai’s changing urban transport scene, supporting the city’s goal to expand the use of smart mobility.

The UAE has been investing in autonomous and sustainable transportation as part of its innovation plans. Dubai’s 2030 Smart City Vision targets having autonomous vehicles manage 25% of all trips by 2030.

Pony.ai will begin rolling out its autonomous driving technology in Dubai in phases through this new partnership. Supervised pilot operations are scheduled for 2025, with a shift to fully driverless service planned for 2026. The robotaxis will connect with Dubai’s existing public transport network—including metro, tram, and maritime services—to enhance mobility and support the city’s sustainability targets.

The company is also preparing to mass-produce its seventh-generation robotaxis in the second half of 2025. These vehicles will use an advanced autonomous driving system recently showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025. The system features a new AD kit hardware suite that reduces production costs by 70% while maintaining automotive-grade performance.

While Dubai represents a key regional step, Pony.ai is also expanding globally. The company has obtained regulatory permits in the U.S., China, South Korea, and Luxembourg, with plans to scale its robotaxi operations worldwide over the next two years.