Dubai's goal to make 25% of its transport autonomous by 2030 is moving from a distant plan to a tangible reality. At GITEX Global 2025 this week, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is demonstrating exactly how that future will look.
Among a suite of 11 smart mobility projects, one technology in particular is drawing serious attention: an AI-guided Trackless Tram that follows a completely virtual path.
How the Technology Works
This system does away with the need for disruptive and expensive steel rails. Instead, the tram navigates using a precise combination of tools.
- Optical Sensors: Think of these as the tram's eyes, constantly scanning the road ahead.
- LiDAR Technology: Advanced lasers map the environment in 3D, detecting obstacles and ensuring the vehicle stays on its invisible track.
- GPS: Provides exact location data to keep everything perfectly aligned.
This isn't a small-scale vehicle. It can carry up to 300 passengers at a time, reach speeds of 70 km/h, and travel 100 km on a single charge. It effectively offers the capacity of a traditional tram with the flexibility of a bus, all with zero emissions.
The Real-World Impact on Dubai
The benefits go beyond just a new way to get around. Because the Trackless Tram system costs far less to build and operate than traditional rail, it can be deployed more quickly and across more neighborhoods. This means more communities will get connected, traffic should see a noticeable reduction, and the city will become cleaner and quieter.
The RTA plans to roll out the tram across eight key locations, creating new, efficient transport corridors. This development is happening alongside trials for other advanced systems, like the Joby S4 Aerial Taxi and an AutoCheck 360 system that cuts vehicle inspection times by over half.
The Investor's Angle: Property and Opportunity
While the RTA has confirmed eight deployment zones, the specific districts remain under wraps. This has kicked off considerable speculation among investors and residents.
The connection between advanced transit and real estate is clear. According to the Head of MENA Real Estate Investment Research at Stratagem Capital, the market reaction will be swift.
"The announcement of new smart mobility hubs, especially for the Trackless Tram, will create immediate investor interest in nearby properties," the analyst stated. "This introduces a significant upside in Dubai's already active real estate market."
In short, wherever these invisible tracks are laid, a rise in property value is expected to follow. For investors, the current challenge is identifying the most likely corridors for this new technology, turning a transport update into a strategic financial opportunity.