Dubai to launch self-driving pod network

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled an autonomous electric transit system that officials say could transform urban travel and help ease congestion across the emirate.

At the World Governments Summit 2026, the RTA showcased the Glydways network, a fleet of small, driverless electric vehicles running on narrow, dedicated guideways designed to offer fast, flexible and sustainable point-to-point transport. Trials are expected to begin later this year, with a full rollout targeted within two years.

Glydways vehicles, developed by a US-based technology company, are capable of carrying four to six passengers and can travel at speeds of up to 50 km/h, with a range of up to 250 km on a single charge. Officials say the system could carry more than 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction and provide last-mile connections from metro stations to major destinations.

Several initial corridors were highlighted at the summit, including routes linking Bluewaters Island with the National Paints Metro Station, connections from Mall of the Emirates Metro to Madinat Jumeirah, a link from OnPassive Metro Station to Alserkal Avenue, and a service within Dubai Festival City.

The system operates on narrow guideways roughly the width of a bicycle lane, meaning it can be integrated alongside existing roads without major disruption. Fares are expected to be set at levels comparable with bus or metro tickets and will be bookable on demand, officials say.

Ahmed Bahrozyan, chief executive of the RTA’s public transport agency, said Glydways could “be like a train” by moving large numbers of passengers efficiently even through narrow or congested sections of the city’s transport network.

The announcement reflects Dubai’s broader push towards smart, sustainable mobility solutions, as the emirate continues to adopt advanced transport technologies to support its rapid growth and improve quality of life for residents and visitors alike.