Dubai has taken a revolutionary step in urban transportation by introducing an autonomous pod system designed to enhance metro connectivity across four strategic locations. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled the ‘Revolutionize Urban Mobility’ project during the World Government Summit 2026, showcasing prototype vehicles that promise to transform last-mile transportation solutions.
The innovative system features compact, self-driving electric pods manufactured by California-based Glydways, each capable of accommodating 4-6 passengers. These vehicles operate on dedicated narrow tracks comparable to bicycle lanes, completely segregated from regular traffic. With an impressive range of 250 kilometers on a single charge and operational speeds of 50 km/h, the pods can transport over 10,000 passengers hourly in each direction.
Initial deployment will connect metro stations to key destinations including Bluewaters Island (2.8km from National Paints station), Umm Suqeim (1.9km from Mall of the Emirates to Madinat Jumeirah), Al Quoz (2.6km from Onpassive station to Alserkal Avenue and Times Square Centre), and Dubai Festival City (7km with potential Blue Line integration). The Bluewaters route will serve as the initial trial corridor.
The technology promises substantial economic advantages, requiring 90% less capital investment than traditional transit systems and potentially reducing operational costs by 70%. Passenger safety features include emergency SOS buttons, assistance request systems, and accessible design elements. The modular guideway infrastructure can be installed above ground, underground, or alongside existing roads without extensive additional wiring or track systems.
This announcement follows Glydways’ ongoing collaboration with UAE authorities, including a recent agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to explore similar deployments in the capital. The initiative represents Dubai’s continued commitment to pioneering smart mobility solutions and reducing urban congestion through technological innovation.