Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that five consortiums and a leading company have reached the final stage of the 4th Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport 2025. This competition, run under the theme “Dubai Autonomous Transport Zone,” aims to create a model district that integrates multiple transport modes, offering residents flexible and high-quality transport options.

The RTA partnered with global experts to select the finalists. The judging panel, chaired by Dr. Steven Shladover, an expert in self-driving transport technologies, shortlisted groups such as the WeRide/Deutsche Bahn consortium (UAE, Germany, China), the BrightDrive/eVersum/Shiptec/SeaBubbles consortium (Switzerland, France, UAE, Austria), and others from Singapore, China, and Austria. According to the Government of Dubai Media Office, these participants will now move on to conduct field tests in their respective countries based on approved standards and procedures.

Winners of the challenge will be announced at the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, scheduled for September 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer explained, through the **Government of Dubai Media Office**, that the event showcases cutting-edge innovations and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global leader in autonomous transport. He noted that the challenge promotes collaboration between public and private sectors, supports research, and aligns with the D33 Agenda to boost Dubai’s economy and innovation ecosystem.

The challenge also focuses on solving key issues like traffic congestion, first and last-mile connectivity, and the limited use of public transport. It has drawn significant interest, with participation exceeding expectations by 170%, according to the **Government of Dubai Media Office**.

Participants were evaluated on technical expertise, commercial viability, and operational solutions, including their ability to integrate smart mobility innovations. These criteria underline Dubai’s commitment to advancing self-driving technologies and setting global benchmarks in autonomous transport.