Tensor, a Silicon Valley-based autonomous vehicle company, has secured federal approval from the UAE Government’s Regulations Lab (RegLab) to test fully autonomous Level 4 personal vehicles across the United Arab Emirates. The permit positions the company to advance its commercialization plans in Dubai and Abu Dhabi during 2026.
Highlights
- Tensor received UAE federal RegLab approval to conduct Level 4 autonomous personal vehicle testing across all Emirates, issued in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre.
- The company plans to commercialize its autonomous personal vehicle in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2026, making this testing phase a critical regulatory milestone.
- Tensor has maintained an active UAE presence since September 2025, engaging with government and industry stakeholders through forums including the World Governments Summit and DriftX.
- The Tensor Robocar supports L0 through L4 autonomy with a dual-mode design that allows occupants to drive manually or ride autonomously.
Regulatory Framework and Testing Scope
RegLab issued the permit in coordination with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), and transportation authorities throughout the Emirates. The approval authorizes Tensor to conduct testing activities under regulated conditions aligned with federal safety and governance requirements.
RegLab operates as a bridge between the Dubai Future Foundation’s innovation ecosystem and the legislative capabilities of the UAE’s Ministry of Cabinet Affairs of the Future. A supporting law authorizes the UAE Cabinet to grant licenses for the testing and vetting of innovations utilizing future technologies.
Tensor’s UAE Engagement
Since September 2025, Tensor has engaged with government, industry, and policy stakeholders through participation in several platforms focused on autonomous mobility and artificial intelligence. These include the Dubai Future Foundation, the World Governments Summit, DriftX, and the Self-Driving Congress in Dubai.
Hugo Fozzati, Chief Business Officer at Tensor, described the federal approval as an important step toward commercializing what the company calls the world’s first Level 4 autonomous personal vehicle in the UAE. He emphasized the collaborative approach taken by UAE stakeholders and characterized the testing phase as critical for preparing the technology responsibly.
About the Tensor Robocar
The Tensor Robocar is designed as a personally owned autonomous vehicle rather than a fleet-based robotaxi. Key specifications and features include:
- Native L0 through L4 autonomy support
- Dual-mode design with the option to drive manually or ride autonomously
- Foldable steering wheel and sliding display for mode transitions
- Automotive-grade construction built for private ownership at scale
Tensor was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in San Jose, California, with offices in Barcelona, Singapore, and Dubai. Additional information is available at www.tensor.auto.
As testing progresses, Tensor will coordinate with UAE authorities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and safety expectations. The company’s focus during this phase centers on responsible testing, data-driven evaluation, and preparation for commercialization.
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