Source : WAM
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a cooperation agreement with Glydways, a global leader in Automated Transit Networks (ATN).
The agreement marks the launch of Dubai’s first automated transit network programme, introducing a smart and sustainable mobility model. The initiative aims to enhance the public transport ecosystem and provide efficient solutions for first- and last-mile connectivity.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, signed the agreement on behalf of the authority, while Mark Seeger, Co-Founder and CEO of Glydways, signed for Glydways on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2025.
Glydways’ ATN introduces a new mode of transport using autonomous electric vehicles powered by artificial intelligence. The system operates independently of existing road traffic on compact, narrow guideways that can be elevated or installed at ground level, minimising impact on roads and utilities.
The network offers an on-demand, personal vehicle service available 24/7, enabling direct point-to-point travel without stops. It allows passengers to customise climate control and entertainment, reduces journey times, and delivers zero local emissions while meeting safety and availability standards comparable to mass transit systems.
The system supports virtual platooning of over 10 vehicles at one-second headways. Each vehicle accommodates 4 to 6 passengers and can travel at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Vehicles are equipped with 20 high-resolution LiDAR sensors, advanced radar systems, and high-definition cameras.
The agreement also covers studies for initial routes, including a pilot linking National Paints Metro Station to Bluewaters Island over 2.8 km. Additional routes will connect Dubai Metro stations to destinations such as Madinat Jumeirah, Alserkal Avenue, Times Square Centre, and Dubai Festival City, enhancing integration with the Dubai Metro network.
Mattar Al Tayer said, “The agreement comes in line with the leadership’s directives to strengthen Dubai’s global leadership in adopting smart and sustainable mobility solutions and expanding the implementation of innovative transport modes. This supports quality of life, enhances the efficiency of the public transport system, and reinforces its integration with future mobility modes.”
He added, “RTA is keen to collaborate with leading global companies and innovative start-ups to explore high-impact solutions that facilitate the movement of residents and visitors, and provide flexible and safe options for first- and last-mile journeys, in line with the urban and economic growth witnessed by Dubai.”
Al Tayer also highlighted the system’s high operational capacity, capable of transporting more than 20,000 passengers per hour in both directions, while offering up to 90% savings in capital costs and 70% reductions in operational costs compared to other transport modes, maximising the efficiency of sustainable transport investments.
He added, “The project will be implemented under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, ensuring the application of global best practices in delivery and operation, and leveraging advanced expertise in the fields of autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence.
Mark Seeger, Founder and Co-CEO of Glydways, expressed his pride in the partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority, stating, “This collaboration underscores Dubai’s global standing as an open laboratory for testing future mobility solutions and a leading environment for the deployment of smart and sustainable transport solutions.”
He added, “Glydways represents a new form of mobility designed to support seamless movement between neighbourhoods. Launching the system in Dubai marks a 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 lower cost and with an enhanced passenger experience. This project demonstrates how cities can scale sustainable and financially viable transport solutions.”
