Dubai Introduces Driverless Pod System for Urban Mobility

Dubai has unveiled a new driverless pod transport system designed to enhance last-mile connectivity and ease urban congestion, as part of the emirate’s push toward smart and sustainable mobility solutions.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed the project, branded Revolutionize Urban Mobility, at the World Government Summit (WGS) 2026, where a prototype of the autonomous electric vehicle was showcased. According to RTA, the system will initially be rolled out across four major locations in Dubai, connecting metro stations with surrounding communities through dedicated, traffic-free tracks.

The first phase of the project will cover Bluewaters Island, Umm Suqeim, Al Quoz, and Dubai Festival City, with the Bluewaters route serving as the pilot corridor. The trial stretch will span 2.8 kilometres, linking the National Paints Metro Station to Bluewaters Island.

In Umm Suqeim, the driverless pod route will extend 1.9 kilometres between Mall of the Emirates Metro Station and Madinat Jumeirah. The Al Quoz line will cover 2.6 kilometres, connecting Onpassive Metro Station to Alserkal Avenue and Times Square Centre. The longest planned route will be in Dubai Festival City, stretching 7 kilometres, with potential future integration into the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line.

Autonomous Pods Designed for High-Capacity Urban Transport

Each enclosed electric pod can carry four to six passengers, reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour, and travel 250 kilometres on a single charge. The system is designed to move more than 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, offering a high-capacity alternative for short-distance urban travel.

The prototype displayed at WGS featured onboard ticket-scanning facilities, passenger assistance interfaces, and safety elements including an SOS button located near the entrance.

The technology is developed by California-based company Glydways, which specializes in autonomous mass transit solutions. According to the company, the system uses dedicated guideways roughly the width of a bicycle lane, allowing it to be installed alongside existing roads, elevated corridors, or underground routes without the need for additional overhead wiring.

Glydways claims the system can reduce capital costs by up to 90 per cent, while operational expenses could fall by as much as 70 per cent, making it a cost-efficient alternative for urban transport expansion.

Expanding Smart Mobility Across the UAE

Glydways has been collaborating with Dubai and Abu Dhabi authorities since last year to explore large-scale deployment of its autonomous transport systems. In November, the company signed an interim agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to assess the rollout of similar solutions across the capital.

While RTA has not yet confirmed a full implementation timeline, the driverless pod network marks a major step in Dubai’s smart city ambitions, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and next-generation public transportation.