Dubai to Host UITP Global Transport Summit 2026, Showcasing Flying Taxis & Driverless Cars
Dubai has been selected to host the prestigious International Association of Public Transport (UITP) Global Public Transport Summit from April 21-23, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will position the city as the world’s leading living laboratory for next-generation mobility, with a central focus on real-world innovations like flying taxis and fully autonomous vehicles.
Under the theme of building a “sustainable, smart, and people-centred public transport system,” the summit will leverage Dubai’s own rapid advancements to set the global agenda for the future of urban transit.
A Live Showcase for Tomorrow’s Transit, Today
The 2026 summit arrives at a pivotal moment for Dubai. The city’s ambitious mobility projects are transitioning from concept to concrete reality, making it the ideal backdrop for a global dialogue on transit innovation.
When questioned about the potential for self-driving cars or aerial taxis to transport delegates, RTA officials confirmed the ambition is firmly grounded in ongoing developments. Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, stated unequivocally: “These (flying taxis and autonomous cars) are no longer futuristic because we already have them now.”
He emphasized that Dubai’s goal extends beyond mere demonstration. “Our aim is to carve the path for the future of mobility and solve its challenges,” Bahrozyan said. “We are looking for innovative solutions not only for Dubai but for other cities in the world as well.”
Why Dubai is the Ideal Host City
Dubai’s selection as host is a direct recognition of its transformative journey in urban transport. This will be the first time the redesigned UITP Summit is held outside Europe, a testament to the city’s growing influence.
Since last hosting the event in 2011, Dubai has achieved remarkable milestones. The share of public transport in total mobility has skyrocketed from just 6% in 2006 to over 21.6% in 2024, reflecting massive investment and successful adoption of its metro, tram, and bus networks.
Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General, noted that hosting the summit underscores Dubai’s commitment to “shape the future of mobility and build a sustainable, smart, and people-centred public transport system.”
What to Expect: Policy, Tech, and Live Demos
Attendees can anticipate an immersive experience, including:
High-Level Policy Dialogues: Discussions on the regulatory frameworks needed for autonomous and aerial mobility.
Cutting-Edge Technology Showcases: Exhibitions from leading global tech providers and startups.
Live Demonstrations: The RTA is actively exploring ways to integrate live demos of flying taxis and driverless cars into the summit experience, offering a tangible glimpse into the near future.
The event will gather transport ministers, city planners, technology pioneers, and policymakers to collaborate on creating more intelligent, inclusive, and low-carbon urban transport ecosystems.
Navigating the Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the vision is bold, the path forward includes addressing key challenges:
Safety and Regulation: Establishing robust certification for eVTOLs (flying taxis) and autonomous vehicles in dense urban environments.
Seamless Integration: Creating a cohesive network that seamlessly connects air, road, and rail transit.
Inclusive Access: Ensuring these advanced mobility solutions serve the entire community, not just a premium segment.
Dubai’s strategy positions the city as a test bed for solving these very challenges, with the lessons learned poised to benefit metropolitan areas worldwide.
Summary
The UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2026 in Dubai is set to be a landmark event, moving future mobility from the realm of speculation into the domain of practical implementation. By showcasing its progress with flying taxis and driverless cars, Dubai will not only highlight its own ambitions but also catalyze a global shift towards smarter, more sustainable, and human-centric transportation systems.
