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 SpenceFormer Product Director and Chief Technologist, McLaren Applied
Barbara 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 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 RashidiWorld’s First Chief AI Officer | Head of Technology, Startups NA, Amazon Web Services
Xunjie 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 ZhongSenior Vice President of Engineering, WeRide
Liang ZhangManaging Director of EMEA, Baidu Apollo
1:45 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION
Smart Horizons: AI & Infrastructure Connectivity for the Cities of Tomorrow
Speakers
Steve BellChief Analyst - Automotive Connectivity, Omdia Automotive
Scott NashSenior Director Automotive Business Development
Andres CastrillonSenior Director of Government Affairs, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Dr. Georges AoudeDerq, CEO and Co-Founder
2:30 pm
PANEL: QuickFire & CrossTalk
Seamless Journeys – The Future of Multimodal Connectivity
Speakers
Alexander NaseManaging Director of FEV Consulting
Ken XieGlobal Market Director, Orcauboat & Orca-APAS
Anthony El-KhouryUAE General Manager, Joby Aviation
Scarlett 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 ShladoverPioneer in Autonomous Transportation
8:00 am
REGISTRATION & NETWORKING
9:00 am
PARALLEL SESSIONS
Breakout Session 1: The User Journey in Autonomous transport
Lukas NeckermannNeckermann Strategic Advisors, Managing Director
Anya ErnestPresident of the Board, Women in Tech – Gothenburg
Shafiq UrréhmanAI Emerging Technologies Leader, Zeekr Technology
Breakout Session 2: AV Technology and AI : The intersection of disruptive Innovations
Maite BezerraPrincipal Analyst, Software-Defined Vehicles, Omdia
Chengyin 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 FriedelAssociated Partner, MHP – A Porsche Company
11:00 am
MORNING NETWORKING COFFEE
11:30 am
PANEL DISCUSSION
The Future of Autonomous Logistics
Speakers
Sam HassounPresident & CEO, Global Leadership Alliance (GLA) 
Dr Xuchen ZhangCofounder and Head of Hardware, Zelos
Ann 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 CardilliFounder & CEO, LAbCARDI
Javier Ibanez-GuzmanExpert Autonomous Systems, Renault S.A. 
Walter Reinhard PrutejManaging Director, SURAAA – Smart Urban Region Austria Alps Adriatic
Hossam YahiaCEO, Brightdrive
Dr. Ahmad AbbadiAutomated Driving System Consultant
12:45 pm
FIRESIDE CHAT
Building Trust: How Governance Accelerates Trust In Autonomous Transport
Speakers
Joseph SalemArthur D. Little, Senior Principal at Arthur D. Little and Global Head of Operations of the Consultancy's Travel & Transportation Practice
Aravind KailasAdvanced Tech Policy Director, Volvo
Tim DawkinsVice President, Head of Safety & Security, Einride Autonomous Technologies
Dr 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 RobertsDirector, California Department of Transportation
3:15 pm
CLOSING KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Integrating Nature and Technology in Smart City Transport Design
Speakers
Daan RoosegaardeInnovator and Founder, Studio Roosegaarde
4:00 pm
CLOSING CEREMONY
Announcing the 2027 Dubai world challenge for self-driving transport
4:15 pm
