Autonomous trucking coming to Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) approved a regulatory framework for autonomous heavy vehicles for logistics transport in Dubai, according to a statement. The framework covers all required procedures for the rollout of autonomous trucking, including licensing, operational trials, vehicle requirements, and safety protocols.

The rollout will occur over two phases — with the first phase trailing safety standards and licensing procedures, according to a statement on X. The second phase will see the launch of five pilot routes, covering Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port and its Rail Freight Terminal, Dubai Investments Park, and Ibn Battuta Mall.

DATA POINT- Dubai’s commercial and land logistics transport sector is made up of a fleet of nearly 61.3k heavy vehicles, varying in weight from 3.5 tons to 65 tons.

The framework aligns with Dubai’s commercial and land transport logistics 2030 strategy — looking to leverage autonomous driving as part of a larger target to cap carbon emissions by 30% and boost operational efficiency by 10%, Gulf News reports. In turn, it looks to raise technology adoption in the sector by 75%, while doubling the sector’s direct economic contribution to hit AED 16.8 bn.

REMEMBER– UAE is going all in on autonomous logistics: Abu Dhabi is also making headway in the introduction of autonomous delivery vehicles, with the launch of its first pilot program for autonomous delivery vehicles earlier this month. Abu Dhabi-based drone manufacturer Lodd Autonomous is set to launch unmanned aerial vehicle parcel and cargo deliveries by 2H 2026 — with the first test flight scheduled in November. The emirate has already rolled out self-driving taxis in several areas, including Al Saadiyat and Yas Islands.

Meanwhile, Dubai is also working on piloting autonomous driving, granting permits to Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai to host autonomous driving trials on Dubai’s roads, according to a statement. Pilot testing is reportedly taking place in Jumeirah and Dubai Silicon Oasis, with the emirate planning an automated transport zone dedicated to testing in order to evaluate how driverless taxis will operate on a large scale. The move is in line with the RTA’s roadmap to launch autonomous taxi services in Dubai and wider plans to convert 25% of all mobility journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips by 2030.

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