Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), inaugurated Dubai Mobility Labs at Dubai Silicon Oasis on September 27, 2026 — described as the smartest integrated ground-testing facility of its kind in the Middle East for autonomous and future mobility technologies.

The launch is a major step in Dubai’s push to become a global hub for developing, testing and certifying self-driving systems, and it directly supports the emirate’s Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which targets converting 25% of all mobility journeys into autonomous trips by 2030.

Inside the Region’s Smartest Autonomous Vehicle Testing Ground

Dubai Mobility Labs sits in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the specialised economic zone for knowledge and innovation under DIEZ. The facility combines dedicated test tracks with a multi-purpose area that simulates a wide range of traffic scenarios in a controlled environment — alongside real-world testing on public roads stretching from Dubai Silicon Oasis to Al Qudra.

The ecosystem covers 248 test scenarios across controlled environments and public roads. The multi-purpose area alone supports 195 scenarios: 143 built into its core design plus 52 added through design enhancements that raised the proving ground’s readiness and broadened the range of situations it can simulate. Test programmes assess sensing and decision-making systems, interactions with other road users, and vehicle responses to changing conditions — all against high standards of safety and reliability before vehicles progress to public-road operation.

The site also includes test tracks and traffic features, office and support facilities, three light-industrial units equipped for operations and indoor installations, and three 60 kW electric vehicle chargers to meet the technical needs of participating companies.

Global Players Already Testing at Dubai Mobility Labs

The facility has already hosted successful trials of autonomous driving technologies from global companies including WeRide, Pony.ai and Tesla, demonstrating its readiness to accommodate a wide range of future mobility systems. RTA has appointed DEKRA to operate the Labs for the first three years, overseeing day-to-day operations, testing programmes and compliance with international safety standards.

“The inauguration of Dubai Mobility Labs is a practical manifestation of the directives of the wise leadership to reinforce Dubai’s leadership in developing and adopting future technologies and consolidate its position as a global model for smart and autonomous mobility.”
— Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA

Al Tayer added that the Labs offer an integrated pathway for developing, testing, validating and certifying technologies — accelerating a safe, orderly transition from trials to real-world and commercial deployment, while bringing together vehicle manufacturers, technology developers, start-ups, research institutions and regulators.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said the project embodies the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33: building a globally competitive, knowledge- and innovation-driven economy and strengthening Dubai’s position as a hub for the industries shaping the future.

What Dubai Mobility Labs Means for Visitors

For tourists, the Labs are a glimpse of the Dubai that’s coming: driverless taxis and autonomous shuttles moving visitors between the airport, hotels and attractions. Dubai already ranks among the world’s most forward-looking cities — see our facts about Dubai — and mobility innovation is part of the experience of visiting. If you’re planning a trip, check places to visit in Dubai, where to stay in Dubai, and our 2026 guide to essential services every tourist should book, plus a realistic breakdown of Dubai trip costs.

Dubai Mobility Labs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dubai Mobility Labs?

It is an integrated testing facility at Dubai Silicon Oasis for autonomous and future mobility technologies — described by RTA as the smartest ground-testing facility of its kind in the Middle East. It was inaugurated on September 27, 2026, by RTA in collaboration with DIEZ.

What happens at the facility?

Companies test self-driving vehicles on dedicated tracks and in a multi-purpose area simulating 195 traffic scenarios, then progress to real-world testing on public roads between Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Qudra. In total the ecosystem covers 248 test scenarios.

Which companies have tested there?

The Labs have already hosted trials from global autonomous-driving players including WeRide, Pony.ai and Tesla. DEKRA has been appointed to operate the facility for its first three years.

How does this fit Dubai’s 2030 self-driving goal?

Dubai Mobility Labs is a key pillar of the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all mobility journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips by 2030.

Will tourists be able to use autonomous transport in Dubai?

That is the direction of travel: the Labs are designed to accelerate the transition from testing to commercial deployment. RTA publishes updates on autonomous transport pilots at rta.ae.

Source: UAE Vartha (English). Official announcements are published by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.