Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a cooperation agreement with Glideways, a global leader in Automated Transport Networks (ATN).
The agreement marks the launch of the first autonomous program for an autonomous transport network, introducing a new model of smart and sustainable mobility in Dubai. This initiative supports the public transportation ecosystem and provides effective solutions for first- and last-mile travel.
On the sidelines of the 2025 World Government Summit, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), signed the agreement on behalf of RTA, and Mark Seager, Co-Founder and CEO of Glideways, signed on behalf of Glideways.
Glideways’ ATN represents a new mode of transportation based on autonomous electric vehicles supported by artificial intelligence technology. The system operates independently of road traffic and runs on compact, narrow guideways using lightweight guide structures that can be raised or deployed at ground level. This design minimizes the impact on existing road and utility networks.
The system provides an urban mobility solution that provides on-demand personal vehicle services 24 hours a day, enabling direct point-to-point travel without stops, reduced travel times, and the ability to customize air conditioning and entertainment systems. Achieve zero local emissions while achieving safety and availability standards comparable to public transport systems.
The system enables virtual platooning of more than 10 vehicles, with a following distance of 1 second. Each vehicle has a capacity of 4 to 6 people and an operating speed of up to 50 km/h. These vehicles are equipped with 20 high-resolution LiDAR sensors, as well as advanced radar systems and high-resolution cameras.
The agreement also provides for the consideration of several initial route options, including a 2.8km test route between National Paints Underground Station and Bluewaters Island. Aiming to strengthen integration with the Dubai Metro network, additional lines will connect Dubai Metro stations to key destinations such as Madinat Jumeirah, Alserkal Avenue, Times Square Center and Dubai Festival City.
Matar Al Tayer said: “This agreement is in line with the leadership’s directive to strengthen Dubai’s global leadership in introducing smart and sustainable mobility solutions and increasing the adoption of innovative transport modes. This will support quality of life, improve the efficiency of the public transport system and strengthen its integration with future mobility modes.”
He added: “RTA is keen to work with the world’s leading companies and innovative startups to explore high-impact solutions that facilitate the mobility of residents and visitors and provide flexible and safe options for first- and last-mile travel as Dubai’s city and economy grow.”
Al Tayer further said that the system has high operational capacity and is capable of transporting more than 20,000 passengers per hour in both directions, as well as reducing capital costs by up to 90 percent and operational costs by up to 70 percent compared to other transport modes, significantly increasing the efficiency of investments in sustainable transport projects.
He further added: “The project will be implemented on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, ensuring the application of global best practices in delivery and operations, and leveraging advanced expertise in the fields of autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence.”
Mark Seger, Founder and Co-CEO of Glideways, expressed pride in the partnership with the Road Transport Authority, saying: “This partnership highlights Dubai’s global position as an open laboratory for testing future mobility solutions and a forward-thinking environment for the deployment of smart and sustainable transport solutions.”
He added: “Glideways represents a new form of mobility designed to support seamless movement between neighboring regions. The launch of the system in Dubai is a milestone in the company’s journey, and Blue Waters Island is a great way to transport passengers at a low cost. “It provides an ideal environment to showcase our network’s ability to deliver high-capacity, on-demand transportation with an enhanced experience. This project demonstrates how cities can scale sustainable and financially viable transportation solutions.”
