Dubai opens autonomous vehicle testing center — The National
Dubai, UAE, has opened Dubai Mobility Labs, a testing center for autonomous vehicles in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The complex is intended to help prepare such vehicles for operation on the emirate’s busy road network.
The center was created by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority jointly with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority. It includes a multifunctional area and test tracks where autonomous driving technologies can be tested in safe conditions before being used on public roads.
248 testing scenarios
Dubai Mobility Labs makes it possible to simulate various road situations in a controlled environment, as well as conduct tests on public roads along the route from Dubai Silicon Oasis to Al Qudra. Autonomous vehicles will be assessed in 248 scenarios, including their ability to respond to challenging road and weather conditions.
During the tests, perception and decision-making systems, the vehicles’ ability to adapt to changes in traffic conditions, and their readiness for public trials and full-scale operation will be evaluated. According to The National, autonomous driving technologies and vehicles from WeRide, Pony.ai and Tesla have already been successfully tested at the site.
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Autonomous transport strategy
Matar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, said the project provides infrastructure for testing advanced transport technologies in controlled and real-world conditions. According to him, the lab is one element of the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which envisages shifting 25% of all trips in the emirate to autonomous mode by 2030.
German company Dekra was appointed as the operator of Dubai Mobility Labs for the first three years. It will be responsible for the center’s day-to-day operations, organizing tests, and compliance with international safety standards and operational practices.
In September 2025, Dubai also announced the creation of a 15-square-kilometer testing zone in Festival City and Dubai Creek Harbour for autonomous taxis, delivery services and other service vehicles.
