Driverless Car Testing Begins in Mina Waterfront Communities
Driverless cars are taking to the streets of Mina in Ras Al Khaimah following a operational testing agreement finalized on November 5, 2026. The partnership between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and developer RAK Properties places self-driving fleets directly into residential neighborhoods and commercial areas across the waterfront district.
Live Sandbox Evaluates Autonomous Safety Across Urban Communities
Testing fleets will operate across the residential and mixed-use zones of Mina to gather data on vehicle performance under actual urban traffic conditions. Engineers and transport planners are monitoring how autonomous systems manage neighborhood navigation, pedestrian safety standards, and local regulatory requirements.
The initiative launched alongside the emirate’s Autonomous Mobility Framework and Autonomous Vehicle Sandbox during an industry assembly attended by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTA Director General Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi confirmed that conducting trials inside active residential developments is essential to determine whether self-driving technology meets safety thresholds for wider public adoption. RAK Properties Chief Executive Officer Sameh Muhtadi highlighted that integrating automated transit options directly into community infrastructure aims to expand accessible transport options for residents and visitors throughout the expanding waterfront area.
