Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the trial operation of the Dubai Glydways automated transit system at Bluewaters, a Dubai Retail destination under Dubai Holding. The system uses autonomous electric vehicles supported by artificial intelligence technologies, operating on dedicated guideways.

The initiative marks a new step in RTA’s efforts to develop a smart, integrated and sustainable mobility system, adopt future mobility technologies, strengthen integration across different modes of transport, and provide flexible and efficient solutions for first- and last-mile journeys.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, attended a presentation on the system and the operation of its autonomous vehicles, in the presence of Mark Seeger, Founder and Co-CEO of Glydways, and Blake Barber, Co-CEO and Chief Technology Officer of the company.

The presentation covered the technologies used to manage vehicle movements and monitor operations, along with the sensing, safety and control systems.

Al Tayer also reviewed the control centre and was briefed on operations management and vehicle movement along the dedicated guideway, as well as the system’s advantages in on-demand transport and direct connections between departure and arrival points.

The RTA chief then took a ride in a Dubai Glydways vehicle, which travelled along the designated route at Bluewaters. The five-minute ride marked the start of the Dubai Glydways trial operation, which will continue for four weeks.

The trial operation builds on the cooperation agreement signed between RTA and Glydways to launch Dubai’s first automated transit network programme of its kind. The initiative is designed to support the public transport system, broaden mobility options for residents and visitors, and improve access to Metro stations, key attractions and major destinations across the emirate.

The Bluewaters trial is also being implemented under a partnership agreement between RTA and Dubai Holding, covering the trial’s implementation, preparation of the field-testing environment, and provision of the required infrastructure and operational support. The arrangement is designed to support the assessment of the system’s technical and operational performance while examining opportunities for future expansion and operation.