Dubai Unveils 15km Self-Driving Zone for Land and Sea Adventures
Dubai is stepping into the future of mobility with a new 15 km Self-Driving Zone, unlike anything before. The zone will support both autonomous vehicles and marine transportation, combining road and water mobility in a single smart corridor. This marks a major move toward the city’s vision of becoming a global leader in smart, sustainable transportation.
A First for Dubai and the Region
The 15 km Self-Driving Zone will allow autonomous cars, electric shuttles, and marine taxis to operate seamlessly within dedicated routes. It’s the first time Dubai is combining land and marine self-driving mobility into a single, connected transportation system.
Designed by the Roads and Transport Authority, the zone includes urban roads, coastal stretches, and key marine routes. Travelers will be able to move between land and water without needing a driver or captain at any point.
The system leverages AI, real-time data, and sensors to navigate traffic, weather, and changing conditions across environments.
حمدان بن محمد يفتتح معرض دبي العالمي للتنقل ذاتي القيادة بمشاركة 55 عارضاً يستعرضون أحدث الحلول والتقنيات الذكية، وأطلع سموه على مستجدات اطلاق خدمة التاكسي ذاتي القيادة حيث بدأت 3 شركات عالمية التشغيل التجريبي لأكثر من 60 مركبة ذاتية القيادة في منطقة جميرا وأم سقيم تمهيداً لإطلاق… pic.twitter.com/i45Sc1nF0F
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 24, 2025
Trials Underway
Trials have already begun inside the zone, with autonomous vehicles and marine crafts being actively tested in real-world conditions. These tests monitor safety, performance, and how well the systems handle real-time challenges on Dubai’s roads and waterways.
Vehicles rely on advanced technologies like LIDAR, onboard cameras, and predictive traffic systems to ensure smooth and safe operations. The goal is to gradually open the zone to public use once safety and efficiency standards are fully met.
RTA has confirmed that local and international partners are involved to ensure world-class implementation and innovation.
Dubai’s Autonomous Vision
This new Self-Driving Zone supports Dubai’s strategy to make 25 % of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030. That vision includes reduced traffic, fewer accidents, and major cuts in transport-related emissions across the city.
It also opens up new possibilities for people with mobility challenges, giving them easier and more accessible travel options. By merging road and water-based autonomous systems, Dubai sets a new global benchmark for integrated smart mobility. This project also supports Dubai’s climate goals and fits within its broader Smart City ambitions.
Conclusion
Dubai’s 15 km Self-Driving Zone is not just an experiment. It’s a bold step into the next era of transportation. Whether you’re cruising in an autonomous car or gliding across the water, the future of travel in Dubai is arriving fast. Would you try a ride in a driverless car or a captain-free boat?
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