Agenda 2025

Curious about how autonomous technology is transforming the way we move, work, and live? Hear directly from the pioneers shaping the future of mobility. The Self Drive Congress brings together 600+ global experts across autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, AI, and mobility services. Over two dynamic days and multiple content stages, discover the breakthroughs, debates, and bold visions defining the next era of transport.

  • Main Stage
  • Seminar Hall 1
  • Seminar Hall 2
  • Day 124Sep2025
  • Day 225Sep2025

Access to Main Stage sessions is reserved exclusively for paying delegates with a valid conference pass.

8:00 am

Registration & Networking

9:00 am

WORKSHOPS

Workshop 1: Building Autonomous Driving Ability Transparency, lessons from Formula Racing and Aviation
  • Paul SpencePaul SpenceFormer Product Director and Chief Technologist, McLaren Applied
  • Barbara CardilliBarbara CardilliFounder & CEO, LAbCARDI
Workshop 2: User-Centric Design: Enhancing the Passenger Experience in Multimodal Transport
10:00 am

Networking & Refreshment Break

11:00 am

Welcome Address & Opening Remarks

Opening Ceremony & Dubai World Challenge for Self Driving Transport Awards

Speakers
  • Sol RashidiSol RashidiWorld’s First Chief AI Officer | Head of Technology, Startups NA, Amazon Web Services 
11:30 am

GLOBAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The Future of Autonomous Transport – A Vision for Multimodal Connectivity

Speakers
  • Sol RashidiSol RashidiWorld’s First Chief AI Officer | Head of Technology, Startups NA, Amazon Web Services 
  • Xunjie ChangXunjie ChangFounder & CEO, Shift Robotics
12:00 pm

NETWORKING LUNCH

1:00 pm

PANEL DISCUSSION

Steering the Future: Dubai’s Path to Autonomous Taxi Deployment

Speakers
  • Dr.  Hua ZhongDr.  Hua ZhongSenior Vice President of Engineering, WeRide
  • Liang ZhangLiang ZhangManaging Director of EMEA, Baidu Apollo
1:45 pm

PANEL DISCUSSION

Smart Horizons: AI & Infrastructure Connectivity for the Cities of Tomorrow

Speakers
  • Steve BellSteve BellChief Analyst - Automotive Connectivity, Omdia Automotive
  • Scott NashScott NashSenior Director Automotive Business Development
  • Andres CastrillonAndres CastrillonSenior Director of Government Affairs, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
  • Dr. Georges AoudeDr. Georges AoudeDerq, CEO and Co-Founder
2:30 pm

PANEL: QuickFire & CrossTalk

Seamless Journeys – The Future of Multimodal Connectivity

Speakers
  • Alexander NaseAlexander NaseManaging Director of FEV Consulting
  • Ken XieKen XieGlobal Market Director, Orcauboat & Orca-APAS
  • Anthony El-KhouryAnthony El-KhouryUAE General Manager, Joby Aviation
  • Scarlett LiuScarlett LiuDirector of Europe Operations, Pix Moving
3:15 pm

AFTERNOON COFFEE: NETWORKING

3:45 pm

CLOSING KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Autonomous Transport: Lessons from 20 Years of Progress

Speakers
  • Steven ShladoverSteven ShladoverPioneer in Autonomous Transportation
8:00 am

REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

9:00 am

PARALLEL SESSIONS

Breakout Session 1: The User Journey in Autonomous transport
  • Lukas NeckermannLukas NeckermannNeckermann Strategic Advisors, Managing Director
  • Anya ErnestAnya ErnestPresident of the Board, Women in Tech – Gothenburg
  • Shafiq UrréhmanShafiq UrréhmanAI Emerging Technologies Leader, Zeekr Technology
Breakout Session 2: AV Technology and AI : The intersection of disruptive Innovations
  • Maite BezerraMaite BezerraPrincipal Analyst, Software-Defined Vehicles, Omdia
  • Chengyin YuanChengyin YuanCEO National New Energy Vehicle, Technology Innovation Center
10:15 am

GLOBAL KEYNOTE

From Vision to Reality: How manufacturers will achieve full Autonomy

Speakers
  • Augustin FriedelAugustin FriedelAssociated Partner, MHP – A Porsche Company
11:00 am

MORNING NETWORKING COFFEE

11:30 am

PANEL DISCUSSION

The Future of Autonomous Logistics

Speakers
  • Sam HassounSam HassounPresident & CEO, Global Leadership Alliance (GLA)
  • Dr Xuchen ZhangDr Xuchen ZhangCofounder and Head of Hardware, Zelos
  • Ann ShiAnn ShiVice President, Strategy and Business Development, Pony AI
12:00 pm

PANEL DISCUSSION

How Cars Are Learning to Drive - Paving the way with advanced driving assistance

Speakers
  • Barbara CardilliBarbara CardilliFounder & CEO, LAbCARDI
  • Javier Ibanez-GuzmanJavier Ibanez-GuzmanExpert Autonomous Systems, Renault S.A.
  • Walter Reinhard PrutejWalter Reinhard PrutejManaging Director, SURAAA – Smart Urban Region Austria Alps Adriatic
  • Hossam YahiaHossam YahiaCEO, Brightdrive
  • Dr. Ahmad AbbadiDr. Ahmad AbbadiAutomated Driving System Consultant
12:45 pm

FIRESIDE CHAT

Building Trust: How Governance Accelerates Trust In Autonomous Transport

Speakers
  • Joseph SalemJoseph SalemArthur D. Little, Senior Principal at Arthur D. Little and Global Head of Operations of the Consultancy's Travel & Transportation Practice
  • Aravind KailasAravind KailasAdvanced Tech Policy Director, Volvo
  • Tim DawkinsTim DawkinsVice President, Head of Safety & Security, Einride Autonomous Technologies
  • Dr Lobna KarouiDr Lobna KarouiInsights & AI Strategist - CIAIO - Global Insights & AI Leader, Stellantis
1:30 pm

NETWORKING LUNCH

2:30 pm

PANEL DISCUSSION

Hosting FIFA World Cup and Olympics - How LA is Driving Autonomous Innovation in Mega Events

Speakers
  • Gloria RobertsGloria RobertsDirector, California Department of Transportation
3:15 pm

CLOSING KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Integrating Nature and Technology in Smart City Transport Design

Speakers
  • Daan RoosegaardeDaan RoosegaardeInnovator and Founder, Studio Roosegaarde
4:15 pm

END OF CONFERENCE