Getting around Dubai could soon become faster, cleaner and a lot smarter. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled plans for a new network of self-driving electric mobility pods designed to solve last-mile connectivity challenges across the city.
Revealed at the World Government Summit (WGS) 2026, the system, called Revolutionise Urban Mobility, features small, autonomous electric vehicles running on narrow, dedicated tracks, helping them avoid traffic while seamlessly linking metro stations with nearby destinations.
According to RTA, the project will initially be rolled out across four key locations:
- Bluewaters Island (trial route)
- Umm Suqeim
- Al Quoz
- Dubai Festival City
The Bluewaters Island route will serve as the pilot phase, stretching 2.8km from National Paints Metro Station to Bluewaters Island. Other planned routes include a 1.9km link between Mall of the Emirates Metro Station and Madinat Jumeirah, a 2.6km route from OnPassive Metro Station to Alserkal Avenue and Times Square Centre, and a 7km track at Dubai Festival City, which could later connect to the Dubai Metro Blue Line.
What are the urban mobility pods?
Each enclosed pod can carry four to six passengers, travel at speeds of up to 50km/h, and cover 250km on a single charge. The system is designed to move more than 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, offering a high-capacity alternative to cars for short urban journeys.
Passenger-friendly features include ticket scanning points, help interfaces and an SOS button for emergencies, making the pods accessible and safe.
Developed by California-based company Glydways, the system uses advanced autonomous driving technology and compact guideways about the width of a bike lane. According to the company, this reduces capital costs by up to 90% and operational expenses by 70%, compared to traditional transport systems. The pods can be deployed along existing roads, above ground or underground, without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Glydways has been working with Dubai and Abu Dhabi since last year to explore the deployment of autonomous mass transit solutions. In November, the company signed an interim agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to assess wider implementation across the capital.
While no official launch timeline has been announced, the project signals Dubai’s continued push toward smart, sustainable and future-ready transport solutions.
