Dubai Mobility Labs has been inaugurated to test autonomous and future mobility technologies. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched the facility in collaboration with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). The project follows directives to speed up the adoption of autonomous mobility and to strengthen Dubai’s readiness for future mobility solutions.

RTA describes it as the smartest integrated ground-testing facility of its kind in the Middle East.

Aims of the Project

The project aims to position Dubai as a global hub for developing, testing and certifying mobility systems. It also seeks to attract companies, developers, research institutions and specialised talent.

In addition, it will help move innovative technologies from development and testing into real-world and commercial deployment.

Support for the Self-Driving Transport Strategy

Dubai Mobility Labs supports the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy. The strategy aims to convert 25% of all mobility journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips by 2030.

The project is a strategic step toward a safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility ecosystem. It is also meant to improve quality of life and strengthen the emirate’s competitiveness and future readiness.

An Integrated Testing Ecosystem

The facility is located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. This is the specialised economic zone for Knowledge & Innovation under DIEZ.

It combines dedicated test tracks with a multi-purpose area. This area offers a controlled environment that simulates a wide range of traffic scenarios. Real-world testing also takes place on public roads from Dubai Silicon Oasis to Al Qudra.

As a result, autonomous vehicles can be assessed under diverse operating conditions. Their response to changing traffic and environmental conditions can be tested against the highest standards of safety and reliability. The setup provides a full ecosystem for testing, validation and certification ahead of deployment on the road network.

248 Test Scenarios

The testing ecosystem covers 248 test scenarios across controlled environments and public roads.

The multi-purpose area alone supports 195 scenarios. Of these, 143 are built into its core design. A further 52 were added through design enhancements. These upgrades raised the proving ground’s readiness and efficiency. They also broadened the range of operational scenarios it can simulate.

The scenarios cover many traffic situations that autonomous vehicles meet in urban environments. They allow assessment of sensing and decision-making systems. They also test interactions with road users and responses to changing surroundings. Vehicle readiness can be verified before vehicles move on to testing and operation on public roads.

Facilities on Site

The multi-purpose area includes a variety of test tracks and traffic features. It also has office and support facilities.

Three supporting light-industrial units are equipped for operations and indoor installations. The site also has three 60 kW electric vehicle chargers. Together, these meet the technical and operational needs of companies and entities taking part in testing.

RTA Comments on Infrastructure for the Future

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer is Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. He said the inauguration of Dubai Mobility Labs is a practical result of directives to strengthen Dubai’s development and adoption of future technologies. He noted that the project provides strategic infrastructure for testing mobility technologies in controlled and real-world environments. It also allows safety, efficiency and readiness to be verified before deployment on public roads.

Al Tayer added that the project is one of the key pillars of the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy. He said it offers an integrated pathway for developing, testing, validating and certifying technologies. This helps enable a safe and orderly transition from trials to real-world and commercial deployment. It also supports the readiness of Dubai’s infrastructure, regulations and technical ecosystem for next-generation mobility solutions.

He stressed that the project’s importance goes beyond a specialised ground-testing site. It is about building an integrated global ecosystem for innovation and development. This ecosystem brings together vehicle manufacturers, technology developers, start-ups, research institutions and regulatory authorities.

According to Al Tayer, the project will help position Dubai as a global hub for testing mobility systems. It will also make Dubai a preferred destination for companies that want to develop, test and launch technologies for regional and global markets.

He said it will also help attract investment, specialised talent and expertise. It will strengthen the knowledge and innovation-based economy. It will also support Dubai’s role as an open urban laboratory for designing, developing and deploying future mobility.

Al Tayer explained that combining controlled testing with operational trials on public roads lets companies evaluate their technologies under diverse, real-world conditions. This raises the reliability of test results and speeds up development and certification. In turn, it supports safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility solutions. It also supports a more efficient transport system, smoother traffic flow and a better quality of life for residents and visitors.

DIEZ Highlights an Innovation-Driven Economy

His Excellency Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni is Executive Chairman of DIEZ. He said Dubai Mobility Labs reflects the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The agenda aims to build a globally competitive, knowledge and innovation-driven economy. It also aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a hub for industries shaping the future. The project does this by offering an integrated environment where global innovators can develop and test autonomous mobility technologies.

Al Zarooni added that DIEZ continues to support the growth of future sectors through such initiatives. It also aims to attract global investment and talent. He noted that Dubai Silicon Oasis provides an integrated environment for developing and testing advanced technological solutions. Smart infrastructure and a wider ecosystem help speed up the development of autonomous mobility technologies. They also support the move from testing to deployment and operation.

Real-World Trials and Operator

Dubai Mobility Labs has already hosted successful trials of autonomous driving technologies and vehicles from global companies. These include WeRide, Pony.ai and Tesla. The trials show that the facilities can accommodate a wide range of future mobility technologies. They also speed up assessment and validation before safe operation on Dubai’s road network.

RTA appointed DEKRA to operate the facility for the first three years. DEKRA is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, organising testing and overseeing the facilities. It must also ensure compliance with international safety standards and operational best practices. This strengthens the reliability of test results and the Labs’ international standing.

Partnerships and Outlook

Finally, Dubai Mobility Labs opens new avenues for partnership. These involve government entities, the private sector, and academic and research institutions. The ecosystem supports innovation, development, investment and commercial application.

Through this approach, Dubai Mobility Labs aims to help position Dubai as a global hub for future mobility testing. It also aims to serve as an international reference point for testing and certifying autonomous mobility technologies. In addition, it is meant to be a platform from which new solutions can be launched to cities across the region and the world.

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