RTA Opens Autonomous Vehicle Hub in Dubai Silicon Oasis
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Dubai’s RTA has launched Dubai Mobility Labs at Dubai Silicon Oasis, a next-generation autonomous mobility testing facility supporting 248 scenarios across controlled environments and public roads, with trials already involving Tesla, WeRide and Pony.ai
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai, in collaboration with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has inaugurated Dubai Mobility Labs at Dubai Silicon Oasis, a dedicated facility for testing autonomous driving and future mobility technologies. RTA describes it as the smartest integrated ground-testing facility of its kind in the Middle East, designed to help technologies progress from development and testing through validation, certification and eventual commercial operation. The project aligns with the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which targets converting 25% of all mobility journeys in Dubai into autonomous trips by 2030.
248 test scenarios across controlled and real roads
Dubai Mobility Labs combines dedicated test tracks, controlled testing zones and real-world public road routes, extending from Dubai Silicon Oasis to Al Qudra.
The facility supports 248 total test scenarios, including 195 scenarios within controlled environments, focused on evaluating perception systems, decision-making algorithms, traffic interaction and environmental adaptability.
Additional infrastructure includes three light-industrial units and three 60 kW EV charging stations, supporting end-to-end mobility testing and development operations.
From testing to commercial deployment
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said Dubai Mobility Labs provides a structured environment to evaluate the safety, performance and readiness of autonomous mobility systems before deployment on public roads.
The facility creates a complete ecosystem covering development, testing, validation and certification, while bringing together automakers, technology companies, startups, research institutions and regulatory bodies.
RTA said the integration of controlled and real-world testing environments will improve data accuracy, accelerate certification processes and support safer deployment of autonomous vehicle technology in Dubai.
Supports Dubai Economic Agenda D33
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), said the facility supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation, smart mobility and advanced technologies.
Dubai Silicon Oasis offers a smart innovation ecosystem where companies can develop, test and validate autonomous systems before scaling to real-world deployment, while also attracting global investment and specialised talent.
Tesla, WeRide and Pony.ai already tested
Dubai Mobility Labs has already hosted autonomous-driving technology and vehicle trials involving WeRide, Pony.ai and Tesla, demonstrating its ability to evaluate different future-mobility technologies ahead of operation on Dubai’s roads.
RTA has appointed DEKRA to operate the facility for its first three years, overseeing day-to-day operations, testing and compliance with international safety standards and operational best practices.
The facility is also intended to encourage collaboration between government, private companies and research institutions, while positioning Dubai as a centre for testing, certifying and commercially deploying autonomous mobility technologies.
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