Date Confirmed for Launch of Driverless Pods in UAE

Abu Dhabi could see self-driving pods transporting commuters across the city’s busy streets by the end of this year. Sebastian Mangeant, CEO of Abu Dhabi Transport Company (ADT), announced that the autonomous transport system Urbanloop is nearing readiness after a year-long partnership.

“We decided a year ago to collaborate with Urbanloop. Today, the module is ready, and by the end of this year and into next year, we expect to have the system operational for public use,” Mangeant said.

The Urbanloop pod on display can carry up to eight passengers — four seated and four standing — with options for smaller and larger versions that range between two and 10 passengers. The pods are also designed to be accessible for bicycles and wheelchairs.

Testing Underway on Reem Island

The autonomous system is currently undergoing testing on Reem Island, where it is being adapted to handle the region’s extreme heat and dust. In the UAE, the pods are running at speeds of about 20 km/h, though in France the technology has been tested at speeds up to 50 km/h.

How Urbanloop Works

Urbanloop is designed to reduce congestion by allowing pods to bypass intermediate stations and travel directly to their final stop. Two parallel tracks will be used, with several pods waiting at each station. Passengers can select their destination, and if they choose the last station, the pod will skip all others along the way.

The system was first introduced at the Paris Olympics, where it carried more than 30,000 passengers along a two-kilometre route. It requires minimal construction to set up, making it easy to deploy, while its low energy consumption aligns with the UAE’s sustainability goals.

Linking With Rail and Reducing Car Use

Experts believe the technology could play a key role in solving first- and last-mile challenges, particularly for passengers using Etihad Rail. Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space 42, said, “By connecting the rail network with autonomous vehicles, we can reduce reliance on private cars and promote shared mobility.”

Mangeant echoed the sentiment, noting that the success of autonomous systems will depend on changing commuter habits. “People will only give up private cars when public transport is more connected, comfortable, and reliable,” he said during a panel at the Global Rail Conference in Abu Dhabi.

While acknowledging that the current test speed of 20 km/h is not ideal, Mangeant stressed that future developments, sandbox testing, and scaled pilots could deliver faster and more efficient services. “By making last-mile travel more effective, we can encourage more people to shift towards public transport,” he added.

A prototype pod was showcased at ADT’s stand during the conference, offering visitors a glimpse into what could soon become a regular part of Abu Dhabi’s transport network.