Ras Al Khaimah Launches Autonomous Mobility Framework Programme and Testing Zone

The authorities of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (Rakta), together with RAK Properties, have presented an autonomous mobility framework programme and a dedicated zone for testing self-driving vehicles. At the ceremony attended by the emirate's ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, 10 partnership agreements were signed. The initiative builds on ongoing trials of the Robobus and Robotaxi.

Aziz KarimovFirst published on tafs uz 31 October 2026 at 02:542 min read

The key facts

Rakta and RAK Properties launched an autonomous mobility framework programme and a testing zone for self-driving vehicles
10 agreements were signed with government bodies, companies, universities and research institutions
The initiative builds on ongoing Robobus trials on Al Marjan Island and Robotaxi testing in Al Dhait South

Framework Programme and Testing Zone

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has presented a framework programme for the development of autonomous mobility and a dedicated zone for testing self-driving vehicles. The initiative was launched by the emirate's transport authority Rakta and the company RAK Properties at a ceremony held at the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, attended by the emirate's ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. According to The National, Sheikh Saud described the creation of an autonomous mobility system as an important milestone on the emirate's path towards a more advanced and sustainable future, and stressed that advanced technologies should give people greater safety and convenience.

Partnerships and the Content of the Initiative

During the ceremony, Rakta signed 10 partnership agreements with government bodies, specialised companies, universities, academic and research institutions. Their aim is to strengthen cooperation in developing and testing autonomous mobility technologies and to advance scientific research. The event was attended by China's Ambassador to the UAE, Zeng Jixin, and China's Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Ou Boqian. The self-driving vehicle testing zone is intended to provide a dedicated environment for checking vehicles and assessing their efficiency and safety, as well as to enhance the emirate's readiness to attract international specialised companies.

What Is Already Operating and How This Differs from the Previous Situation

The new initiatives build on trials already under way: Robobus autonomous buses are running on Al Marjan Island, and robotaxi testing has been expanded in the Al Dhait South area. Thus, the launched programme moves work on self-driving vehicles from the stage of individual pilot projects into a framework with a formalised testing zone and a network of partnerships. This continues the UAE's broader line: earlier, Dubai designated a 15 km zone for testing self-driving vehicles, as the publication reported in its article “Dubai carves out 15km zone to test self-driving vehicles”. The stated goals of the programme in Ras Al Khaimah are to develop an advanced transport system, increase competitiveness, attract high-quality investment and improve residents' quality of life.