Dubai, UAE– Dubai has taken another step towards the future of public transport with the trial of a new driverless electric pod system on Bluewaters Island. The project uses small, autonomous vehicles designed to carry passengers along dedicated guideways, offering a new way to travel short distances without depending on conventional road traffic.
The four-week trial, launched by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on October 11, 2026, features the Glydways automated transit network. RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer took the first ride during the launch, marking an important stage in testing this new transport technology.
Small Pods, Smart Technology
Unlike conventional buses and taxis, these electric pods are designed to operate on dedicated, narrow routes. They use artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to navigate their guideways, helping passengers travel directly between destinations.
Each pod can carry between four and six passengers and is designed to reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. The vehicles have a reported range of up to 250 kilometres on a single charge, making the system suitable for repeated short journeys.
Another interesting feature is that several pods can operate in a closely coordinated sequence. Up to 10 vehicles can be virtually linked, allowing them to move with very short intervals between them. According to the reported system specifications, this arrangement could provide a combined capacity of more than 20,000 passengers per hour in both directions.
Connecting People to Destinations
The system is designed to address an important challenge in modern cities: helping people cover the first or last part of a journey. For example, a passenger may need to travel from a metro station to a residential community, shopping destination, office or tourist attraction. A dedicated pod network could make such journeys easier and reduce the need for a private car.
In February 2026, RTA announced an agreement with Glydways to introduce an automated transit network in Dubai. One of the proposed pilot routes would connect National Paints Metro Station with Bluewaters Island, covering approximately 2.8 kilometres. The new trial on Bluewaters Island will help assess the technology’s operational and technical performance.
A New Chapter in Dubai’s Transport Vision
Dubai has been investing in smart mobility, autonomous vehicles and technology-led transport solutions. Its long-term self-driving transport strategy aims to make 25 per cent of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030. This ambition covers different modes of transport, rather than driverless cars alone.
The Glydways trial represents a different approach from driverless taxis. While robotaxis use existing roads, these compact pods are designed to operate on dedicated guideways, potentially offering more predictable routes and frequent point-to-point services.
The trial will help determine how well the system performs in real operating conditions and how it could fit into Dubai’s wider public transport network. Its future expansion will depend on operational results, technical assessments and the relevant approvals.
For residents and visitors, the idea is simple: shorter connections, a new travel experience and more options for moving around the city. If the technology proves successful, driverless electric pods could become another part of Dubai’s evolving transport landscape, bringing the future of urban mobility closer to everyday life.
AL PICTURES COURTES: WAM
Disclaimer: This story has been prepared based on publicly available information and sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication. The content is intended for general information purposes only.
