In a major step towards transforming urban mobility, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the launch of an innovative transport system known as Glydways, featuring small, fully autonomous electric vehicles that move through narrow, dedicated lanes—offering a practical solution to traditional road congestion.
The announcement was made during the World Government Summit 2026, where RTA confirmed that pilot trials of the system will begin later this year. The project is designed to boost the efficiency of public transport and support the city’s sustainability goals.
With a capacity to carry over 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction—a total of 20,000 riders across both directions—Glydways is considered a scalable and sustainable alternative to conventional urban transport systems.
Ahmad Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, stated that the Glydways system offers a promising mobility solution, thanks to its fully autonomous electric vehicles that operate in narrow, dedicated corridors. He explained that the system is ideal for high-density areas with heavy pedestrian and vehicular activity.
The vehicles operate at speeds of up to 50 km/h and accommodate between four to six passengers each. They offer a travel range of up to 250 kilometers on a single charge, ensuring high energy efficiency and supporting Dubai’s environmental sustainability targets.
According to Bahrozyan, trial runs without passengers will begin this year to assess operational performance, safety standards, and overall system efficiency. He emphasized that there will be no additional cost for users, as the fare structure will align with existing public transport rates and integrate with Dubai’s smart payment systems.
The project will initially cover four main routes across the city:
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Bluewaters Route (2.8 km): Connecting Jebel Ali Metro Station (formerly National Paints) to Bluewaters Island – a pilot route
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Umm Suqeim Route (1.9 km): Linking Mall of the Emirates Metro Station to Madinat Jumeirah
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Al Quoz Route (2.6 km): Connecting ONPASSIVE Metro Station to Alserkal Avenue and Times Square Center
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Dubai Festival City Route (7 km): Serving the Festival City area, with potential future integration with the Blue Metro Line
This initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart, future-ready cities. It also supports efforts to reduce dependence on private vehicles, improve quality of life, and promote sustainable urban living.
With Glydways, Dubai takes a significant leap toward implementing cutting-edge mobility solutions that combine innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility—paving the way for a smarter, more connected city.
