Pony.ai Targets 1,000 Robotaxis in Middle East by 2028: Ambitious Expansion Unveiled at Dubai World Congress. Pony.ai, Uber Targets 1,000 Robotaxis in Middle East.
Pony.ai, Uber Targets 1,000 Robotaxis in Middle East
DUBAI, UAE – Autonomous vehicle technology company Pony.ai unveiled an ambitious strategy to deploy 1,000 robotaxis across the Middle East by 2028, a move that positions the company at the forefront of the region's accelerating push into smart transportation.
The announcement, made during the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, represents one of the largest commitments to autonomous ride-hailing services in the Middle East and aligns directly with Dubai's goal to have 25% of all trips be smart and driverless by 2030.
Strategic Partnerships and Pilot Programs
The expansion is bolstered by a key partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), established earlier this year. Under this agreement, Pony.ai has already commenced pilot testing of its Level 4 autonomous vehicles—which can operate without human intervention in most conditions—on Dubai streets.
“We are committed to accelerating the deployment of our robotaxi services in Dubai and throughout the broader Middle East market,” said James Peng, CEO of Pony.ai.
He pointed to Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and supportive regulatory environment as critical factors for the large-scale deployment.
Uber Integration and Regional Footprint
A significant pillar of this strategy is a collaboration with Uber Technologies Inc. The partnership will integrate Pony.ai’s robotaxis into the Uber app, allowing users in the region to hail a driverless car. Initially, these vehicles will have safety drivers, with a planned transition to fully autonomous operations upon regulatory approval.
Challenges and Outlook
Pony.ai's regional strategy extends beyond the UAE. The company has also formed a partnership with Mowasalat “Karwa,” Qatar’s primary transport provider, to adapt its technology to the local climate and traffic conditions.
This multi-market approach, which also includes operations in Singapore, is supported by substantial regional investment, including a $100 million injection from Saudi Arabia's NEOM project.
Advanced Technology and Global Momentum
The company leverages its seventh-generation autonomous driving system, unveiled in April 2025, which is designed for mass production. With a global fleet that surpassed 500 vehicles in August and over 45 million kilometers of autonomous testing, Pony.ai brings substantial experience to the challenging Middle East market.
The Road Ahead
While the company faces hurdles, including technical adaptation to extreme heat and complex regulatory frameworks, the strong governmental support and strategic partnerships signal a robust foundation for its 2028 target.
If successful, the initiative could establish the Middle East as a global benchmark for the integration of autonomous vehicles into public transit networks.
