Growing Momentum for Robotaxis in the Middle East
The Gulf region is fast emerging as a global hub for autonomous mobility, with Chinese firms Pony AI and WeRide taking the lead in scaling Gulf robotaxi expansion operations. By 2028, Pony AI plans to deploy 1,000 robotaxis across key Middle Eastern cities, after successfully securing operational permits in Dubai.
Meanwhile, rival autonomous driving startup WeRide is collaborating with Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and global ride-hailing giant Uber to test and expand robotaxi fleets in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
These parallel moves underscore the Gulf’s growing appetite for next-generation mobility solutions, as regional governments push to diversify economies, reduce emissions, and integrate smart transportation into urban planning.
Dubai at the Forefront of Autonomous Transport
Dubai has positioned itself as a leader in self-driving transport adoption, with an ambitious plan for 25% of all journeys to be autonomous by 2030.
The emirate’s regulatory environment, combined with infrastructure investments in AI, smart roads, and data connectivity, makes it an ideal testing ground for robotaxi services.
Pony AI’s new permits mark a major milestone in Dubai’s Smart Mobility 2030 strategy, granting the company authority to expand its driverless car trials into limited commercial operations. The deployment of 1,000 robotaxis by 2028 would be one of the largest autonomous fleets outside of China and the United States, solidifying Dubai’s role as a pioneering market for mobility innovation.
WeRide Partners with Uber and RTA
While Pony AI pushes ahead with large-scale deployment, WeRide is focusing on strategic partnerships. The Guangzhou-based company has teamed up with Dubai’s RTA and Uber to integrate autonomous taxis into existing ride-hailing platforms.
Initial trials are underway in Dubai’s business districts, with plans to expand into Saudi Arabia, where urban mobility challenges and rapid smart city development provide fertile ground for autonomous technology.
If successful, the collaboration could set a precedent for hybrid mobility ecosystems, where traditional ride-hailing apps seamlessly blend with self-driving fleets.
Saudi Arabia: A Key Market for Expansion
Saudi Arabia, with its Vision 2030 agenda, is rapidly investing in smart mobility solutions to reduce traffic congestion, cut carbon emissions, and improve urban living standards.
NEOM, the futuristic city project, has already expressed interest in autonomous vehicles and sustainable transport systems.
WeRide’s expansion into Saudi Arabia aligns with the kingdom’s push to adopt cutting-edge transport technologies. Analysts suggest that if regulatory approvals accelerate, Saudi cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah could host some of the largest robotaxi fleets in the region by the early 2030s.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The robotaxi rollout is expected to have a profound economic and environmental impact across the Gulf:
- Job Creation in Tech and Operations – While autonomous vehicles may reduce traditional driving jobs, new opportunities will emerge in AI engineering, fleet management, cybersecurity, and vehicle maintenance.
- Tourism Boost – Dubai and Saudi Arabia aim to showcase futuristic mobility services to tourists, reinforcing their global brand as leaders in smart city innovation.
- Reduced Emissions – Autonomous electric fleets are expected to lower carbon emissions significantly, supporting the Gulf’s net-zero pledges.
- Investment Magnet – With major Chinese firms investing heavily, the Gulf is likely to attract additional venture capital and R&D partnerships from global tech players.
Global Competition in Autonomous Mobility
The Gulf’s robotaxi race also reflects the broader geopolitical competition in AI and mobility technologies.
While the U.S. leads with companies like Waymo and Cruise, Chinese firms Pony AI and WeRide are rapidly scaling globally, using the Gulf as a showcase market for international expansion.
By providing favorable regulations, capital access, and smart infrastructure, Gulf states are positioning themselves as neutral hubs where global tech firms can compete and collaborate.
Challenges Ahead
Despite optimism, several challenges could affect large-scale robotaxi adoption:
- Regulatory Complexity – Each Gulf state has its own regulatory requirements, which could slow cross-border deployment.
- Public Trust & Safety – Building confidence in self-driving cars remains a hurdle, particularly in high-density urban environments.
- Infrastructure Costs – Expanding autonomous-ready infrastructure, such as 5G networks, smart signals, and EV charging stations, requires heavy investment.
- Competition with Ride-Hailing Giants – Uber, Careem, and regional players may view robotaxis as both a threat and an opportunity, influencing how partnerships evolve.
Outlook: Gulf as a Global Testbed for Robotaxis
The next five years will be pivotal for the Gulf’s autonomous mobility ambitions.
If Pony AI and WeRide succeed in scaling operations, the region could become the world’s largest testbed for robotaxi technology outside of China and the U.S.
With Dubai targeting 25% autonomous journeys by 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 prioritizing sustainable transport, the Gulf is uniquely positioned to lead the world in commercializing robotaxis at scale.
For now, all eyes are on Pony AI’s 2028 milestone and WeRide’s Saudi expansion, as the race for dominance in the Gulf’s driverless mobility revolution accelerates.
