RTA Extends Deadline To Participate In 4th Dubai World Challenge For Self-Driving Transport

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has extended the deadline for applications to participate in the 4th Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport (SDT) 2025 until Oct. 20.

The extension was announced to ensure that more companies and specialized groups get the chance to join the event and show off their latest technology. The winning company in the challenge will receive US$3 million, as per WAM.

The Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport is part of RTA's plan to strengthen Dubai's position in autonomous transportation. It supports Dubai's goal of making 25% of all city trips self-driving by 2030.

The challenge is a global event that brings together top experts, technology makers, researchers, and academics to develop new ideas and support Dubai's "Smart Dubai" and "Smart City" goals.

The fourth edition of the challenge introduces a new format called "Dubai Autonomous Transport Zone," reflecting RTA's dedication to advancing Dubai's leadership in autonomous transport and expanding its use.

This edition will include different types of transportation combined in one zone, allowing passengers to use various transit options within the same area.

Participants can enter the challenge either as a group of companies or as a single company. The goal is to bring together different self-driving transit systems under one service. Leading experts in self-driving transport and transit system integration are invited to join.

Companies can register for the challenge online via the official website. The list of finalists will be announced in late November 2024, and the winner will be announced in September 2025 during the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport.

Last month, RTA released updated rules of the Out-Of-Home (OOH) Advertising Manual in the city to prioritize "the safety and security of pedestrians and road users." The updates added new advertising zones and expanded digital ads, supporting Dubai's growth goals by blending assets and offering various billboard types for better investment returns.

Furthermore, RTA announced that about 361.2 million people used public transport and shared mobility options in the emirate such as the Metro, Tram, buses, marine transport, taxis, e-hail vehicles, smart rental cars, and on-demand buses, in the first half of 2024.

The daily average number of riders this year rose to 1.98 million, up from 1.88 million in the same period in 2023, showing a 6% increase from around 340.5 million users in the first half of 2023.