Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has implemented a new regulatory framework to oversee heavy autonomous vehicles, with pilot routes and digital platforms set to revolutionise logistics and reinforce the city’s position as a regional innovation hub.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has just given the green light to a thorough new regulatory framework aimed at managing the use of heavy autonomous vehicles for logistics around the emirate. Basically, this new set of rules lays out strict standards covering licensing, initial trial runs, tech requirements, and other legalities—all designed to keep roads safe for everyone involved. This move is quite a big step forward in Dubai’s push toward a future where autonomous mobility plays a huge role.
Matar Al Tayer, who’s both Director-General and Chairman of the RTA, explained that this framework boosts Dubai’s bigger vision to strengthen its place as a leading global financial and economic hub. It lines up well with the emirate’s broader economic plan, called D33, which aims to have about a quarter of all trips within Dubai be autonomous by 2030. The goal isn’t just about innovation; it’s also about making logistics more sustainable and efficient overall.
Al Tayer pointed out that the framework is like a cornerstone for the logistics sector, helping improve operational flow, cut emissions, and make roads safer by using autonomous driving tech. He also mentioned that Dubai’s logistics industry is pretty robust—there are around 61,290 heavy vehicles in the 3.5 to 65-tonne range operating in the city. The new regulations are part of Dubai’s larger plan for 2030, aiming to double the sector’s direct economic contribution to AED 16.8 billion. This plan also pushes for 75% tech integration into logistics infrastructure, a 30% reduction in carbon emissions, and a 10% boost in efficiency.
The creation of this regulatory framework was a team effort—brought about through collaboration with key partners, private companies, distributors, and retailers involved in logistics. It happened in two main stages. First, they laid down core principles—things like safety, sustainability, investment appeal, and tech leadership, alongside licensing standards for heavy autonomous vehicles. The second stage involved selecting five initial routes for testing: spots like Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, the Jebel Ali rail freight terminal, Dubai Investments Park, and Ibn Battuta Mall. Testing will include both supervised routes with safety drivers and fully autonomous routes without any drivers.
It’s worth noting that these measures fit neatly into Dubai’s bigger strategic plans, including initiatives for road safety, autonomous mobility, zero-emission public transport, infrastructure management, investments, and digital innovation. All these projects work together to support the growth and modernization of Dubai’s logistics scene.
Alongside this, the RTA and a private logistics firm called Trucker recently launched “Logisti,” a new digital platform designed to shake up land freight operations. The platform offers booking, fleet management, and real-time tracking services connecting transport providers and clients. It’s pretty exciting because it should make logistics more efficient and reliable, plus help position Dubai as a regional logistics hub.
These latest developments are built on previous legal groundwork in autonomous vehicle regulations. For example, Law No. (9) of 2023, issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in April 2023, laid out comprehensive rules for autonomous vehicle use across Dubai. It tasked the RTA with setting technical, operational, and safety standards, plus licensing and compliance rules, with penalties from AED 500 up to AED 50,000 for violations. Since it took effect three months after publication, this law was a significant move toward boosting Dubai’s smart mobility revolution and attracting investment in AI-driven transport tech.
At the same time, federal rules around heavy vehicle weight and size limits have also been updated to bolster road safety and protect infrastructure across the UAE. In late 2023 and early 2024, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announced amendments capping heavy vehicle weights at 65 tonnes nationwide, including foreign trucks operating here. They also plan to install 24 smart electronic gates to monitor compliance—another step in Dubai’s goal to develop safe, high-tech transport systems that accommodate autonomous vehicles.
Experts seem to agree that Dubai’s advanced infrastructure, top-notch telecommunications, and alignment with international standards make it one of the best cities suited for large-scale autonomous vehicle deployment. The RTA is actually encouraging logistics firms and other transport stakeholders—both local and international—to get involved in pilot projects to help make autonomous transport a key, competitive part of Dubai’s economy.
All in all, Dubai’s recent approval of a regulatory framework for heavy autonomous logistics vehicles clearly signals a forward-thinking approach focused on innovation, safety, and growth. It cements the city’s reputation as a leader in smart mobility and a hotspot for futuristic transport solutions—aiming to boost sustainability and operational efficiency in a vital economic sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.emaratalyoum.com/local-section/other/2025-09-28-1.1975871 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://slc.dubai.gov.ae/en/content-hub/news/2023/april-2023/law-regulating-operations-of-autonomous-vehicles/ – In April 2023, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No. (9) of 2023, regulating the operations of autonomous vehicles in Dubai. This law aims to accelerate Dubai’s smart mobility transformation, attract investments in the sector, and provide a regulatory environment that facilitates the use of artificial intelligence in transportation. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is tasked with developing strategic plans, identifying categories of autonomous vehicles, and setting technical, operational, and safety benchmarks for their operation. The law also outlines licensing procedures and the responsibilities of operators, agents, and passengers, with fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 50,000 for violations. The law is effective 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
- https://dlp.dubai.gov.ae/Legislation%20Reference/2023/Law%20No.%20%289%29%20of%202023%20Regulating%20the%20Operation%20of%20Autonomous%20Vehicles.html – Law No. (9) of 2023, issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, regulates the operation of autonomous vehicles in Dubai. The law outlines the responsibilities of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), including developing policies and strategic plans to enhance the efficiency and development of autonomous vehicles, defining categories and types of autonomous vehicles, and setting technical, operational, security, safety, and operator performance standards. It also details the licensing procedures, technical inspections, and the obligations of operators, agents, and passengers, with fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 50,000 for violations. The law is effective 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
- https://pddportalstg.dubai.gov.ae/en/media-listing/news-events/mohammed-bin-rashid-issues-law-regulating-operations-of-autonomous-vehicles-in-dubai/ – In April 2023, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No. (9) of 2023, regulating the operations of autonomous vehicles in Dubai. This law aims to accelerate Dubai’s smart mobility transformation, attract investments in the sector, and provide a regulatory environment that facilitates the use of artificial intelligence in transportation. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is tasked with developing strategic plans, identifying categories of autonomous vehicles, and setting technical, operational, and safety benchmarks for their operation. The law also outlines licensing procedures and the responsibilities of operators, agents, and passengers, with fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 50,000 for violations. The law is effective 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
- https://www.moei.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/13/9/2023/moei-reveals-details-of-federal-law-regulating-weights-and-dimensions-of-heavy-vehicles – In September 2023, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) revealed details of amendments to the federal law regulating the weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles on UAE roads. The amendments, approved by the UAE Cabinet, set the permissible maximum weight of heavy vehicles at 65 tonnes from 2024. The law applies to all heavy vehicles using UAE roads, including those licensed in other countries. Exemptions include vehicles owned by security, military, police, and civil defense authorities. The MoEI plans to install 24 smart electronic gates by the end of 2024 to measure the weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles, aiming to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents.
- https://www.moei.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/31/1/2024/table-of-maximum-weights-and-dimensions-of-heavy-vehicles-on-federal-roads-announced – In January 2024, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) announced the maximum weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles permitted on UAE federal roads, as per Cabinet Resolution No. 138 of 2023. The resolution specifies maximum permissible gross weights for heavy vehicles based on the number of axles, ranging from 21 tonnes for two axles to 65 tonnes for six axles. It also sets maximum dimensions for various types of heavy vehicles. The resolution aims to enhance road safety, reduce traffic accidents, and support the infrastructure and transport sectors. The law is effective from the first quarter of 2024, following the installation of 24 smart electronic gates to monitor compliance.
- https://slc.dubai.gov.ae/en/content-hub/news/2021/december-2021/resolution-regulating-right-of-way-in-dubai/ – In December 2021, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (54) of 2021, regulating the ‘right-of-way’ in Dubai. The resolution mandates that the Traffic and Roads Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) oversee the right-of-way and surrounding areas. It prohibits conducting work on the right-of-way and surrounding areas without obtaining a permit or non-objection letter. In emergency cases, government entities must notify the Agency within 24 hours of conducting work on the right-of-way. All work must comply with regulations, technical specifications, and health and safety standards. The resolution also prohibits the use of the pavement without obtaining a permit.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative was published on 28 September 2025, making it the earliest known publication date. No earlier versions with different figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content appears original and not recycled. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the provided text.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Emirates Today, a reputable news outlet in the UAE, lending credibility to the report.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about Dubai’s new regulatory framework for heavy autonomous logistics vehicles align with Dubai’s ongoing initiatives in autonomous mobility and smart transportation. The narrative includes specific details about the framework, such as the involvement of key partners and the selection of initial testing routes, which are consistent with Dubai’s strategic plans. The language and tone are appropriate for the region and topic, and the report lacks excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is original, timely, and originates from a reputable source. The claims are plausible and consistent with Dubai’s strategic initiatives in autonomous transportation. No discrepancies or signs of disinformation were identified.
