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Dubai RTA unveils self-driving electric pods to connect metro stations at World Government Summit 2026

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5 months ago

February 3, 2026

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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.

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

News

Salik’s next move: Smart parking coming to Dubai Silicon Oasis, DAFZ and Dubai CommerCity

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12 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Salik is taking another step beyond toll collection, announcing plans to introduce smart parking and vehicle access systems across three of Dubai’s major economic zones.

Under a new agreement with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the company will explore parking optimisation and access control solutions covering more than 21,000 parking spaces at Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity.

The proposed systems are designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, prevent misuse of parking spaces and make it easier for businesses, employees and visitors to move around the free zones.

The partnership marks the launch of a new business vertical for Salik as it continues expanding beyond its traditional road toll operations into wider mobility and digital transport services.

What will change?

The companies plan to integrate their technology platforms to create a connected parking and vehicle access system across the three zones.

Planned features include:

Smart parking management
Automated vehicle access control
Improved traffic flow within free zones
Better use of available parking spaces
Unified operating standards across all three locations

Which areas are covered?

The project will span:

Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ)
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai CommerCity

Together, the three locations offer more than 21,000 parking spaces serving businesses, residents, investors and visitors.

No timeline has yet been announced for when the new systems will be rolled out.

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New UAE rule: Emirates ID renewal now allowed one year before expiry

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13 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE has doubled the early renewal period for Emirates ID cards, allowing renewals up to 12 months before expiry under a new decision by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Effective July 14, the change applies to UAE nationals for now.

Renew passport and Emirates ID together

The extended renewal window means citizens whose passport and Emirates ID expire around the same time can now renew both documents in a single transaction, reducing paperwork and saving time.

ICP said the initiative forms part of its strategy to simplify government services, improve customer experience and provide greater flexibility through digital services.

Supporting zero government bureaucracy

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said the decision reflects the UAE’s commitment to delivering proactive government services while giving citizens more flexibility to complete transactions at a time that suits them.

He added that the initiative supports the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme by reducing procedural steps, improving service integration and using advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline the customer journey.

The authority said the new policy is part of its wider effort to deliver integrated, digital-first government services while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in identity and public service innovation.

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Dubai warns media against publishing false news after Downtown explosion claim

Published

13 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai authorities have warned media organisations against publishing false or unverified reports after claims circulated that explosions had been heard in Downtown Dubai.

In a statement posted on X, the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) said the emirate would take the necessary legal measures against outlets that publish inaccurate information, in line with local and federal laws.

The warning came after a brief Reuters report cited witnesses claiming they had heard booms in Downtown Dubai on Thursday. The report did not identify the source of the sounds or confirm that any incident had taken place.

The Dubai Media Office rejected the claims, stating that no explosions had occurred in the Downtown area and describing the report as false.

Authorities also urged media organisations and the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid sharing rumours or unverified reports that could cause unnecessary confusion.

The statement reinforces Dubai’s long-standing approach to combating misinformation, particularly during fast-moving events, with authorities stressing the importance of accurate reporting and verification before publication.