Chinese EV giant BYD confirms talks with UAE authorities for autonomous push

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is planning to bring its driverless technology to the Emirates. As reported by The National, BYD driverless cars UAE talks are currently underway to deploy autonomous vehicles and establish a local research and development centre.

The move represents a significant expansion for BYD, which has already surpassed Tesla in global market share. While specific investment figures haven't been disclosed, the company confirmed that a formal announcement regarding the partnership and the new facility is expected in January.

The Plans for BYD Driverless Cars and R&D in UAE

Stella Li, Executive Vice President at BYD, confirmed that the company has a "solid plan" to support the UAE's smart mobility goals. The discussions focus on two main pillars: putting autonomous BYD vehicles on UAE roads and building a dedicated R&D centre to support that deployment.

• Local R&D: The proposed BYD R&D centre UAE would allow BYD to adapt its technology specifically for UAE infrastructure and conditions.
• Timeline: Discussions are in the early stages, but the company is accelerating co-operation with an update due next month.
• Technology: The fleet will likely utilise BYD's "DiPilot" and "God's Eye" systems, which feature AI and Lidar for Level 4 autonomous parking.

Li emphasised that while the industry is approaching Level 5 autonomy—where no human intervention is needed—regulation and safety must take precedence over speed of deployment.

Why BYD Autonomous Vehicles Matter for UAE Smart Mobility

The UAE is already a global testbed for future transport. As we noted in our report on how the UAE leads the world in AI adoption, the infrastructure here is uniquely suited for rapid tech deployment. Abu Dhabi has already welcomed robotaxis from Uber and WeRide, and the Dubai Taxi Company plans to launch autonomous services by early 2026.

BYD's entry changes the dynamic because it is a manufacturer, not just a service operator. Establishing a BYD R&D centre UAE suggests a long-term commitment to developing technology within the region, rather than just importing finished products. This aligns perfectly with the country's broader push to become a hub for advanced technology and smart mobility.

Key Players: BYD's Dominance in EV & Autonomous Tech in UAE

BYD is currently the dominant force in the electric vehicle market. Data from Counterpoint Research shows the Chinese manufacturer holding a significant lead over its main rival, Tesla, as of late 2025. This global dominance in BYD electric vehicles provides the capital and scale for its strategic expansion, making BYD electric vehicles UAE a key market for its driverless technology and R&D investment.

While traditional manufacturers play catch-up—like Nissan recently celebrating 40 years of NISMO with high-performance petrol engines—BYD is pivoting entirely to new energy and autonomous systems. The company's "God's Eye" system is designed to compete directly with Tesla's Full Self-Driving capabilities.

Market Context: BYD's Global EV & Autonomous Market Position

To understand the scale of the player entering the UAE's autonomous sector, it helps to look at the global picture. BYD has effectively captured the budget and mid-range EV market while expanding into the premium sector with brands like Yangwang.

Here is how the top EV manufacturers stack up as of Q3 2025:

What's Next for BYD's Autonomous Vehicle Deployment in UAE

We expect the official announcement in January to clarify the location of the R&D centre and which specific vehicle models will be deployed. The focus will likely be on the "affordable mass market" once regulations allow for wider adoption, according to Li. For now, the priority remains proving the safety of their Level 4 systems on UAE roads.

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