Dubai Opens Advanced Mobility Labs for Autonomous Vehicle Testing

The Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority have inaugurated a cutting-edge facility at Dubai Silicon Oasis to advance autonomous transport technology and support the emirate's vision for future mobility.

Dubai has established a sophisticated testing facility designed to accelerate the development and certification of autonomous and emerging mobility technologies. Dubai Mobility Labs, inaugurated through collaboration between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) at Dubai Silicon Oasis, represents a significant milestone in the emirate’s technological advancement.

The facility encompasses 248 distinct testing scenarios conducted within both controlled laboratory environments and authentic public road conditions, with routes extending to Al Qudra. Beyond testing infrastructure, the labs provide comprehensive operational facilities and electric-vehicle charging capabilities to support ongoing research and development initiatives.

The facility has already facilitated trials of autonomous-driving technologies and vehicles from internationally recognised technology developers, including WeRide, Pony.ai and Tesla. DEKRA has been appointed to operate Dubai Mobility Labs for an initial three-year period, overseeing testing protocols and facilities management whilst maintaining compliance with international safety standards and operational practices.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasised that the laboratories provide essential strategic infrastructure supporting the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy. This comprehensive initiative aims to transform urban mobility by converting 25 per cent of all journeys across the emirate into autonomous trips by 2030. Beyond supporting this ambitious transportation vision, Dubai Mobility Labs will strengthen the emirate’s established reputation as a global centre for testing advanced mobility systems whilst attracting investment, specialised talent and technology developers from around the world.

Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, noted that the project aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which prioritises strengthening a competitive economy founded on knowledge and innovation. Dubai Silicon Oasis, he observed, provides an exceptionally integrated environment for developing and testing advanced technologies whilst accelerating their transition from experimental trials to viable commercial deployment and market readiness.

Source: WAM