California (Web Desk): A dedicated centre for testing autonomous vehicles has been established in the UAE emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, while robotaxi trials have been expanded to Al Dhait South.
The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority introduced its Autonomous Mobility Framework and Autonomous Vehicle Sandbox project on Friday, October 30. The event was attended by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, along with representatives of government agencies, technology companies and research institutions.
The project aims to provide an integrated environment for testing driverless vehicle technology and attract international companies working in the sector to invest in the emirate.
According to the authority, initial robotaxi trials began on Al Marjan Island in early 2026, where the vehicles covered more than 21,000 kilometres. Data collected during the trials was used to assess vehicle performance and capabilities under real-world conditions.
The expansion of trials to Al Dhait South aims to evaluate autonomous vehicles in different locations and conditions so they can eventually become part of the emirate’s wider transport network. Autonomous robobuses had also previously been tested on Al Marjan Island.