Dubai is bringing a game-changing transport mode that’s set to improve commuting. Instead of bigger trains or wider roads, the city is going compact. Later this year, Dubai will begin trial runs of the Glydways system. It’s a network of self-driving electric pods that move like a train but run on narrow lanes similar to cycle tracks.
Dubai To Launch Self-Driving Glydways Pods
The announcement came straight from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) during the World Governments Summit 2026. The announcement signals another major step in Dubai’s push toward smarter, cleaner mobility. According to a report mentioned by Economy Middle East, the system will first roll out as part of a pilot phase, followed by a wider deployment.
What Exactly Is The Glydways System?
Glydays is similar to how a long train, when broken down into pieces, would look. Imagine it as a steady stream of autonomous electric vehicles, with the capacity of four to six passengers at a time. These pods run on dedicated guideways, so their movement doesn’t get disturbed by congestion on the road.
Glydways runs at a speed of up to 50 km/h and goes up to 250 kilometres on a single charge. More importantly, the system can move over 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
Built For Cities That Hate Congestion
Here’s where Glydways gets practical. The system creates a new type of public transport: on-demand, private rides without transfers or shared cabins. You board at your point, exit at your destination, and never stop midway because someone else needs to get off.
Because the guideways are narrow, the system costs up to 90 per cent less than traditional rail to build and run.
From Trial Runs To Regional Expansion
In 2025, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) signed a strategic partnership with Glydways, Inc. to study how this system could work across Abu Dhabi. That collaboration laid the groundwork for the UAE’s broader interest in this technology. It also supports zero-emissions travel and sustainability goals.
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Why This Matters For Daily Commutes
Glydways isn’t meant to replace the Metro but to fill the gaps. Its modular design allows routes to expand or shift as neighbourhoods grow. And because the pods operate independently, the system stays flexible without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai RTA/X
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