The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) has partnered with RAK Properties to begin testing autonomous vehicles in a live residential and mixed-use setting, choosing Mina, one of RAK Properties' waterfront developments, as the test site. Branded an "Autonomous Vehicle Sandbox", the initiative is designed to evaluate how self-driving cars perform in genuine urban conditions before any decision is made on wider rollout.

Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General of RAKTA, said testing autonomous vehicles in real-world environments is an important step towards understanding whether the technology is ready for practical deployment, adding that the results will guide future decisions on expanding driverless transport in the emirate.

Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, described the partnership with RAKTA as a unique opportunity to observe, monitor and stress-test the latest transport solutions. He noted that Mina's mix of residential and commercial uses makes it a realistic environment to assess how autonomous vehicles interact with pedestrians, regular traffic and existing infrastructure.

The programme was launched in the presence of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, underlining the emirate's interest in positioning itself alongside Dubai and Abu Dhabi in testing next-generation mobility technology. Authorities have not yet disclosed the number of vehicles involved or a specific testing timeline, saying details of the sandbox's scope will be shared as the trials progress. The move reflects a broader push across the UAE to trial autonomous vehicles in real neighbourhoods rather than closed test tracks, a step seen as critical before any future regulatory approval for public use.