Brief
Dubai RTA pilots driverless electric pods to link Metro stations with key districts
The trial aims to address first‑ and last‑mile travel by offering point‑to‑point rides from Metro stations to destinations such as Bluewaters and Business Bay.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched a four‑week trial of its driverless electric pod system, Glydways, at Bluewaters on Sunday, October 11, 2026, according to Khaleej Times.
What happened
The trial uses small AI‑powered pods that travel on dedicated guideways separate from regular traffic. RTA officials said the pods can pick up passengers directly from Metro stations and deliver them to final destinations without intermediate stops.
What the reports add
Khaleej Times listed five routes under study: a 2.8 km link between National Paints Metro Station and Bluewaters, plus connections to Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Festival City, Business Bay and Mohammed Bin Rashid City. The outlet noted that the guideways can be built at ground level or elevated, allowing deployment in areas where conventional road or rail infrastructure is challenging.
What was said
RTA Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors Mattar Al Tayer told Khaleej Times that the Bluewaters trial will help determine how the system can be integrated with Dubai's existing public‑transport network, especially for first‑ and last‑mile journeys. He said the trial will assess the pods' safety and reliability.
In an earlier interview, Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA's Public Transport Agency, told the same outlet that the pods are suited to congested urban areas with narrow pathways and heavy foot traffic. He added that, if successful, RTA hopes to expand Glydways to other parts of Dubai within two to three years.
How it came about
The Glydways project follows RTA's broader push to improve connectivity beyond Metro stations, building on earlier initiatives such as the Ru’ya Careers 2026 guidance that encouraged visitors to use public transport and park at designated Metro stations.
Key facts
- RTA began a four‑week trial of driverless electric pods at Bluewaters on Oct 11, 2026. (khaleejtimes.com)
- The trial uses AI‑powered pods on dedicated guideways separate from road traffic. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Five routes are under study, including a 2.8 km link between National Paints Metro Station and Bluewaters. (khaleejtimes.com)
- RTA aims to expand the system to other Dubai areas within two to three years if the trial succeeds. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Mattar Al Tayer said the trial will assess safety, reliability and integration with the public‑transport network. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “Dubai Metro station to home in a driverless pod? RTA studies new transport routes”
