Dubai tests driverless Glydways pods on Bluewaters in four-week trial

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) started testing Glydways, a driverless transit network, at Bluewaters on 11 October 2026. The trial lasts four weeks, Khaleej Times reported. The test runs on a designated route on the island, with Dubai Holding supporting the site, infrastructure and operations.

RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer took the first ride, a trip of about five minutes. He was also shown the control centre that monitors the vehicles. From Glydways, Mark Seeger (founder, co-CEO) and Blake Barber (co-CEO, CTO) were present.

The system uses small driverless electric pods that seat four to six people. They reach 50 km/h and cover up to 250 km on a charge. Each carries 20 high-resolution lidar sensors, plus radar and HD cameras. The pods travel on narrow dedicated guideways, at ground level or raised, and can run in virtual convoys less than a second apart. RTA puts capacity at more than 20,000 passengers an hour in both directions, and says capital and operating costs can be up to 90% and 70% lower than comparable modes.

During the trial, engineers will check autonomous driving, sensing, communications and control, along with journey times and ease of use. The National said the aim is first and last mile links, such as the 2.8 km route planned between National Paints Metro Station and Bluewaters. RTA will use the findings to decide on wider deployment. No date for public service has been given.

For now this is a closed test route, not a service residents or visitors can book.