As Dubai gears up for significant advancements in smart mobility, the announcement of strategic projects set to launch in 2026 is poised to redefine urban transport. This initiative highlights the region’s commitment to innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transportation systems. Through international collaboration, Dubai aims to establish itself as a hub for state-of-the-art mobility technologies, reflecting its vision for a dynamic urban landscape.
During the Global Government Summit, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, emphasized the summit’s evolution into a leading global platform. This forum not only facilitates an exchange of ideas but also actively contributes to transforming ambitious visions into practical, executable projects, significantly advancing smart mobility systems and urban infrastructure worldwide.
In his address at the partners’ session of the 2026 Global Government Summit, Al Tayer noted that the event has successfully fostered international dialogue through 11 iterations, leading to qualitative results that enhance cooperation and stimulate humanitarian-focused projects. He praised the professional organization of the summit, reinforcing its status as a global meeting point for decision-makers, government leaders, businesses, innovators, and experts.
Al Tayer also highlighted the RTA’s role as a strategic transport partner at the summit, focusing on building meaningful partnerships with global leaders in transport and advanced technologies. He stressed that these collaborations enable the RTA to turn various ideas discussed at the summit into tangible projects within Dubai. “In 2026, we will launch a range of strategic projects in the field of smart mobility,” he stated, emphasizing the commitment to advancing transport solutions.
He revealed that in the last quarter of 2026, the RTA will commence operations of air taxi services, a result of partnerships with global companies such as Joby and Skyports. This concept was initially presented at the summit two years ago and has now progressed to the implementation phase in Dubai. Additionally, he confirmed that autonomous taxis will soon become operational in collaboration with Baidu, noting that discussions from the last summit led to the establishment of an operations and monitoring center for autonomous vehicles—Baidu Apollo Go—in Dubai Science Park, marking the company’s first operational hub outside of China.
Al Tayer further elaborated on the RTA’s commitment to accelerating the translation of ideas into practical projects by developing some of the world’s largest and most advanced centers for transportation and traffic system management. The Unified Control Center and the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Center will play integral roles in enhancing mobility fluidity, crowd management, and crisis support, leveraging artificial intelligence and big data technologies.
Regarding quality of life, Al Tayer underscored that Dubai’s government continues to invest in road and transport infrastructure, recognizing it as a vital economic driver and a lifeline for the community. This year’s summit will unveil futuristic transport systems, including integrated mobility solutions for the first and last mile. Moreover, operational trials of autonomous vehicles are scheduled during the summit week to transport select guests along designated routes.
He reaffirmed that the RTA’s efforts, in collaboration with local and international partners, will persist in enhancing the road and transport network, aiming to improve the quality of life and the well-being of residents and visitors alike.