The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has signed a cooperation agreement with Glidewise, a global leader in automated transportation networks, to launch the first automated program for a transportation network. This will introduce a new model of smart and sustainable transport in the emirate of Dubai, contributing to the support of the public transport system and providing effective solutions for the first and last mile of journeys.
The agreement was signed by the RTA's Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mattar Al Tayer, and on behalf of Glidewise by its Co-Founder and Co-President, Mark Seeger. The signing took place during the 2026 World Government Summit, which concludes its activities in Dubai on February 5th.
Glidewise's Automated Transportation Network (ATN) is a new transport model based on self-driving electric vehicles, supported by artificial intelligence technologies. It operates separately from traffic on small, dedicated tracks, which minimizes the impact on existing road and service networks. The system provides an urban solution, offering 24/7 on-demand personal vehicle service with direct point-to-point travel without stops, featuring fast travel times, customizable climate control and entertainment, zero local emissions, and safety and availability standards comparable to public transport.
The system allows for the virtual linking of more than 10 vehicles with a one-second interval. Vehicle capacity ranges from 4 to 6 passengers, with an operational speed of up to 50 km/h. Each vehicle is equipped with 20 high-precision LiDARs, as well as high-definition radars and cameras.
Mattar Al Tayer stated: "This agreement comes within the framework of the wise leadership's directives to enhance Dubai's global leadership in adopting smart and sustainable mobility solutions and expanding the application of innovative transport modes. This supports improving the quality of life, increases the efficiency of the public transport system, and enhances its integration with future mobility modes."
He added: "The RTA is keen to cooperate with leading global companies and innovative startups to explore qualitative solutions that facilitate the movement of residents and visitors, and provide flexible and safe options for the first and last mile of trips, in line with the urban and economic growth witnessed by the emirate of Dubai."
Al Tayer also pointed out that the system is characterized by high operational capacity, enabling the transport of over 20,000 passengers per hour in both directions, in addition to reducing capital costs by up to 90% and operational costs by up to 70% compared to other transport modes. This enhances the efficiency of investment in sustainable transport projects.
He confirmed that the project's implementation will be according to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) system, ensuring the achievement of the best global practices in implementation and operation, and benefiting from advanced expertise in the fields of self-driving vehicles and artificial intelligence.
In turn, Seeger expressed his pride in the cooperation with the RTA, confirming that this cooperation affirms the emirate's global status as an open laboratory for future mobility experiments and a leading environment for applying smart and sustainable solutions in the transport sector.
He said: "Glidewise represents a new form of transport designed to support seamless mobility between neighborhoods. The launch in Dubai is a pivotal milestone in the company's journey, and Bluewaters Island provides the ideal environment to showcase our network's ability to deliver high-capacity, on-demand transport at a lower cost and with better service for passengers. This project demonstrates how cities can expand sustainable and financially viable transport solutions."
Mark Seeger, Co-President of Glidewise, commented: "Our partnership with RTA highlights Dubai's global standing as an open laboratory for future mobility experiments and a leading environment for implementing smart, sustainable solutions in the transport sector. The launch in Dubai marks a pivotal milestone for Glidewise, with Bluewaters Island offering the perfect setting to demonstrate our network's capability to deliver high-capacity, on-demand transport at a lower cost and with superior service for passengers. This project exemplifies how cities can expand sustainable and financially viable mobility solutions."
