The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority has unveiled plans to establish a specialised autonomous vehicle testing centre and announced the expansion of driverless taxi trials to Al Dhait South. The initiative is part of the emirate’s plans to advance smart mobility and develop infrastructure for the wider adoption of autonomous technologies.

The unveiling ceremony was held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort, in the presence of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

During the ceremony, the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority unveiled its autonomous mobility development framework and the “Autonomous Vehicle Testing Environment” initiative. The project, launched in partnership with RAK Properties, aims to develop infrastructure for testing smart mobility technologies.

Ten cooperation agreements were also signed with government entities, technology companies, universities and research centres to support the development of autonomous mobility.

Autonomous taxi trials expand after covering 21,000 kilometres

The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority said trials of autonomous taxis, known as robotaxis, have been expanded to Al Dhait South.

The first phase of testing began on Al Marjan Island in early 2026, and the autonomous taxis have since covered more than 21,000 kilometres during trial operations.

The authority said data and experience gathered from the trials are being used to assess vehicle performance under real-world conditions, evaluate readiness and identify technical and operational requirements.

Expanding the trials to Al Dhait South is part of the authority’s phased plan to assess autonomous vehicle performance across different environments and traffic conditions.

The programme aims to evaluate the potential future integration of these technologies into Ras Al Khaimah’s public transport network.

The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority had previously launched trials of autonomous buses, known as robobuses, on Al Marjan Island. The project entered its testing phase on October 1, 2025, providing insights into the performance of autonomous vehicles under real-world conditions.

Despite the expansion of the trials, no date has yet been announced for the launch of commercial driverless taxi services in Ras Al Khaimah.

What facilities will the new autonomous vehicle testing centre offer?

The “Autonomous Vehicle Testing Environment” initiative involves creating a dedicated site with the routes and technical facilities needed to test driverless vehicles.

The facility will allow specialist companies and technology developers to test autonomous vehicles and systems under conditions that simulate real-world environments and assess their performance in various scenarios.

A key objective of the centre is to evaluate the safety, efficiency and technical readiness of autonomous vehicles before they advance to wider testing or commercial operation.

Testing and assessments will be conducted in accordance with approved regulatory frameworks and safety requirements.

In addition to providing testing infrastructure, the initiative is designed to promote collaboration among technology companies, technical experts, research centres, regulatory bodies and transport industry stakeholders.

The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority said the testing environment will expand opportunities to assess different types of autonomous vehicles and technologies while supporting the development of an integrated, smart and sustainable transport system.

The initiative also focuses on strengthening regulatory, technical and operational readiness to ensure new technologies are tested and assessed in controlled environments before wider deployment.

Ten agreements signed to advance autonomous mobility

During the unveiling ceremony, 10 cooperation agreements were signed between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and government entities, technology companies, universities and research institutions.

The agreements aim to expand cooperation in autonomous vehicle testing, technical assessments, scientific research and the development of operational solutions.

The parties to the agreements are:

1. RAK Properties

2. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)

3. Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry

4. Ras Al Khaimah Innovation City

5. AutoLogix

6. CargoX

7. PixMoving

8. Westwell

9. American University of Ras Al Khaimah

10. Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Under the announced plan, government entities and organisations will help strengthen the sector’s regulatory and economic foundations.

Technology companies will explore potential applications for autonomous vehicles in passenger transport, logistics services and industrial transport.

Universities and research centres will support the initiative through scientific research, technical assessments and studies of safety requirements, including the development of vehicle safety testing methods.

The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority said these partnerships will not be limited to the use of a single testing facility. Instead, they will create a network of companies, specialists and technical infrastructure covering the various stages of autonomous technology development.

These stages include testing and evaluating technologies, assessing technical and operational readiness, and studying potential applications in line with approved regulations and international standards.

The partnerships are expected to create new opportunities for investment and innovation and make Ras Al Khaimah more attractive to international companies specialising in autonomous mobility technologies.

Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority chief: Goal is an integrated future mobility system

Ismail Hassan Al Blooshi, Director-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, said the launch of the autonomous mobility development framework and the driverless vehicle testing environment reflects the authority’s commitment to creating an integrated system supported by appropriate regulatory and technical infrastructure.

He said the initiative will provide specialist companies with the facilities and capabilities needed to test advanced technologies under conditions that simulate real-world environments and assess their readiness for operation.

Al Blooshi said: “The autonomous vehicle testing environment is an important step in this direction. Its role extends beyond providing testing facilities and routes by creating an environment that brings together field trials, technical assessments and professional expertise.”

He added that the initiative would enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s ability to attract international companies operating in the autonomous mobility sector and create opportunities to develop future transport solutions in line with safety requirements and approved regulatory standards.

The Director-General also stressed that developing an integrated autonomous mobility system requires coordinated cooperation among government entities, technology companies, universities and research centres.

He said the new agreements would enable access to advanced technologies and specialist expertise, support scientific research and facilitate technical assessments.

Al Blooshi said the authority would continue working with its partners to develop a future mobility system that supports innovation, knowledge exchange, and the testing and validation of new technologies.

He added that these measures could strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s competitiveness, attract specialist companies and high-value investments, and improve transport services for residents.

The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority concluded by reaffirming that it would continue the gradual expansion of autonomous vehicle trials, the development of specialised infrastructure, stronger partnerships and strategic planning as part of its efforts to advance innovation and sustainability in the transport sector.