In a significant leap toward future-ready logistics, Dubai has officially introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for autonomous heavy vehicles. This move follows closely on the heels of permitting three Chinese firms — Baidu’s Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai — to begin testing driverless cars on public roads. The newly launched framework outlines licensing, safety, and operational protocols and is part of a broader strategy to transform Dubai’s land transport sector, double its economic output, and achieve 25% autonomous mobility by 2030.
Dubai’s two-phase launch plan for autonomous heavy trucks
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has finalized a comprehensive, two-phase regulatory framework to enable the safe and controlled deployment of autonomous heavy vehicles for logistics operations in Dubai. The framework, developed in collaboration with private sector partners, logistics firms, and retailers, sets the stage for the emirate’s entry into large-scale driverless freight mobility.
- Phase One focused on:
- Identifying key regulatory and operational pillars
- Meeting safety and sustainability requirements
- Enhancing the investment appeal of the sector
- Defining licensing standards for autonomous heavy vehicles
- Aligning with the broader push for leadership in tech adoption
- Phase Two outlined the five pilot routes where initial trials will take place:
- Jebel Ali Port
- Al Maktoum International Airport
- Jebel Ali Port Rail Freight Station
- Dubai Investment Park
- Ibn Battuta Mall
These areas were selected for their importance to Dubai’s logistics ecosystem. During the pilot phase, some routes will be supervised by safety drivers, while others will operate fully without human drivers. This allows a dual approach to testing — balancing real-world integration with necessary oversight.
Regulatory framework for autonomous heavy trucks in Dubai
The adoption of this regulatory framework reflects Dubai’s proactive governance model and commitment to transforming its logistics sector through automation and innovation. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the initiative aligns with the vision of Dubai’s leadership to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global economic hub and directly supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).“The regulatory framework is a key component in supporting the logistics sector, by harnessing autonomous driving technologies to increase operational efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance traffic safety,” Al Tayer said. Dubai’s land logistics sector currently comprises 61,290 heavy vehicles, ranging in weight from 3.5 to 65 tons. The framework has been designed to accommodate this existing fleet while laying the foundation for future autonomous deployments. Al Tayer also emphasized that Dubai is among the cities best prepared to implement self-driving transport, due to its advanced infrastructure, communication networks, and adherence to global standards.“We hope that institutions and companies operating in the commercial and land logistics sector in Dubai, as well as representatives of international companies, would participate in the initial trials to adopt future transportation methods that would raise the sector’s profile and enhance its competitiveness at the regional and international levels,” he added.
Strategy-driven, tech-backed transformation
The regulatory framework is a key element of the Dubai Land Commercial and Logistics Transport Strategy 2030, which aims to:
- Double the sector’s direct contribution to Dubai’s economy to AED 16.8 billion
- Increase technology adoption in sector infrastructure by 75%
- Reduce carbon emissions by 30%
- Improve operational efficiency by 10%
This strategy is harmonized with six other specialized Dubai strategies:
- Traffic Safety Strategy
- Autonomous Mobility Strategy
- Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy
- Assets Strategy
- Investment Strategy
- Digital Strategy
It also encompasses 17 key projects designed to fuel the sector’s growth and support innovation within logistics and freight transport. The broader aim is to regulate, modernize, and open up commercial transport to new technologies while embedding these goals into Dubai’s legislative and policy frameworks.
Earlier milestone: Chinese firms begin on-road autonomous vehicle trials
The regulatory rollout builds on a major step taken just a week earlier, when Dubai’s RTA granted testing permits to three Chinese autonomous driving companies:
- Baidu’s Apollo Go
- WeRide
- Pony.ai
These firms have been authorized to conduct driverless vehicle trials on public roads in Dubai, marking the emirate’s first real-world deployment of passenger-focused autonomous cars. These trials were enabled through formal agreements signed earlier this year between the RTA and the companies. The vehicles will undergo rigorous testing to ensure they adapt efficiently to Dubai’s local environment, operating conditions, and traffic patterns. This development is also part of Dubai’s roadmap to launch self-driving taxi services.“With this step, the RTA adds a new dimension to Dubai’s public transport system,” the authority noted, adding that autonomous solutions will complement existing modes while advancing toward the city’s smart mobility goals. By expanding partnerships with international leaders in autonomous driving, Dubai is reinforcing its global leadership in smart mobility and accelerating progress towards the 25% autonomous travel target by 2030.
