DiDi Global Inc.'s autonomous driving unit is set to launch Robotaxi testing and scenario validation in the United Arab Emirates within the year, according to Zhang Bo, CEO of DiDi Autonomous Driving and co-founder of DiDi. Speaking at a recent China-UAE business forum in Beijing, Zhang revealed that the UAE has been selected as the first international destination for DiDi's autonomous driving expansion. The company is collaborating with local partners to advance Robotaxi applications, with testing and pilot explorations scheduled to begin in 2024.
The forum, jointly organized by China's Ministry of Commerce and the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Trade under the theme "Building Shared Vision, Creating Mutual Value," brought together ministers, senior officials, and business leaders from both countries. During a roundtable discussion, Zhang emphasized that China is currently experiencing an era of artificial intelligence transformation, nurturing globally leading technology companies that have achieved breakthroughs in AI, smart vehicles, embodied intelligence, and large model applications. Meanwhile, the UAE, guided by its "Vision 2031," has prioritized smart mobility and autonomous driving as strategic focuses, continuously improving policy environments and industrial ecosystems to position itself as a global testing ground for new technologies. This creates significant opportunities for international collaboration in autonomous driving.
In November 2023, DiDi Autonomous Driving joined the Abu Dhabi Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster and became the first company to establish a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. The collaboration will focus on technological innovation applications in autonomous driving, AI talent development, and ecosystem building, supporting Abu Dhabi's development of advanced smart mobility and sustainable transportation systems while gradually expanding cooperation across the broader Middle East region.
Zhang noted that during the fourth quarter of 2023, DiDi Autonomous Driving initiated round-the-clock passenger-carrying tests in designated demonstration areas in Guangzhou and Beijing, maintaining safe and stable operations. The company's next-generation Robotaxi model R2, developed in partnership with GAC Aion, was delivered in January 2024. DiDi Autonomous Driving is now working with local UAE partners to advance technological innovation and scenario implementation, planning to conduct Robotaxi testing and scenario validation locally this year. The company will proceed steadily while prioritizing safety, gradually introducing secure, reliable, and intelligent mobility experiences for Middle Eastern users.
Currently, DiDi's international business operates in 14 countries overseas. Leveraging DiDi's international experience and its autonomous driving unit's capabilities in AI technology, hardware, and mobility scenarios, DiDi Autonomous Driving is accelerating its global expansion strategy. Through localized operations and hybrid mobility networks, the company continues to advance the evolution of autonomous driving AI technology and vehicle formats. According to Zhang, safety and user experience form the fundamental basis for sustainable industry development. The global expansion of Robotaxi services ultimately depends on the coordinated implementation of safety systems and localized service capabilities. DiDi Autonomous Driving remains committed to responsible technological innovation, collaborating with local partners to promote the global application of Chinese autonomous driving technology and services.
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