Entities from the UAE are among the five leading consortiums advancing to the final stage of the fourth Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport 2025, announced the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. The competition, which aims to establish a global benchmark for cities adopting self-driving transport, invites participants to design a model district integrating various transport modes within a single area. The initiative encourages residents to select their preferred transport mode based on individual needs, while ensuring high-quality service delivery.
The challenge, under the theme ‘Dubai Autonomous Transport Zone,’ has become an international platform for leading experts in self-driving transport, including policymakers, technology developers, researchers, and academics. The event has grown in prominence, drawing remarkable participation from both local and international companies and organizations. Submissions for the challenge exceeded targets by 170 percent, underscoring the global interest in self-driving technologies and the potential impact of autonomous transport solutions.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasized that the event is the first of its kind globally. He noted that it has evolved into a premier international platform for showcasing the latest advancements in self-driving transport technologies. The event offers opportunities for participants to exchange ideas and insights, explore best practices, and engage in panel discussions, seminars, and workshops on the future of autonomous transport.
The global judging panel, led by Dr. Steven Shladover, an expert in self-driving transport technologies, evaluated participants based on several criteria, including technical capability, commercial viability, and operational service standards. The challenge attracted a wide range of participants, with entries from various countries competing to develop solutions that address key issues such as first and last-mile connectivity, traffic congestion, and the underutilization of public transport.
The five finalist consortiums include the WeRide and Deutsche Bahn consortium, representing the UAE, Germany, and China; the BrightDrive, eVersum, Shiptec, and SeaBubbles consortium, which involves Switzerland, France, the UAE, and Austria; the Orcauboat, PIX Moving, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai consortium, a collaboration between the UAE and China; the SURAA and Arti consortium from Austria; and Zelos from Singapore. These teams will proceed to the next phase of the challenge, which involves field tests at their respective company premises, adhering to approved standards and procedures.
The challenge aims to accelerate the adoption of self-driving transport solutions, addressing pressing urban issues and paving the way for more sustainable and efficient transportation systems. The finalists will showcase their innovations in the coming months, with the winners set to be revealed during the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport in September. This event is expected to further highlight Dubai’s role as a global leader in the development and implementation of autonomous transport technologies.
