Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Cruise, a company that develops self-driving technology, have begun supervised testing of Bolt-based autonomous vehicles.

A partnership agreement between RTA and Cruise will allow RTA to operate autonomous vehicles in the emirate of Dubai to provide taxi and e-hailing services.

Following successful data collection and testing on closed test tracks, RTA and Cruise have jointly tested Cruise autonomous technology with a safety driver present.

Meanwhile, Cruise has been operating driverless ride-hailing services in the USA since February 2022. On a recent trip to San Francisco, RTA's technical team took Cruise rides, confirming their confidence in Cruise's technology.

RTA's strategic objectives of making the experience of MENA's first autonomous transportation a success and elevating Dubai's autonomous pioneership in the region, enhancing its global leadership in autonomous mobility and supporting its vision of becoming the world's smartest city are also reflected in the trial.

Investing in smart mobility and the application of sophisticated technologies is in line with RTA's commitment to bolster the wellbeing and safety of Dubai's residents, tourists, and visitors.

Aiming for 2030

These efforts align with the Vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to convert 25 percent of trips to autonomous by 2030.

As part of the Cruise AV's validation in Dubai, Cruise will validate the safety and performance of Cruise AVs, as well as the compatibility of the AV's requirements with the digital and physical infrastructure for the target area of operation in Jumeirah 1.

As part of the tests and demonstrations, the team will also demonstrate the maturity of Cruise's autonomous technology, especially during critical traffic situations in Dubai. A safety driver will be present behind the wheel of Cruise autonomous vehicles during the initial stages of the Dubai road tests.

In the same vein, RTA achieved a historic milestone by issuing the first permit for the trial of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Dubai. A trial permit was officially handed over to Cruise.