Self-driving Formula 1 race car showcased at UAE exhibition

A fully autonomous race car capable of reaching speeds over 340 kilometers per hour (211 mph) is drawing crowds at an electric vehicle exhibition in the United Arab Emirates.

The A2RL Autonomous Formula 1 car, billed as the world's most advanced self-driving sports car, operates entirely without a human driver using sophisticated perception, decision-making and control systems, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The vehicle is the centerpiece of the Evolve Future Mobility Show, the Middle East's first exhibition dedicated exclusively to electric and new energy vehicles. The four-day event at Expo Centre Sharjah concludes Saturday.

Visitors can also test a Formula 1 simulator licensed by AMG and certified by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) that replicates the experience of controlling a high-speed race car.

The event, organized by MIE Events with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has attracted an expected 5,000 visitors including industry professionals, government officials and EV enthusiasts.

Electric vehicles featured

The exhibition features major electric vehicle manufacturers including Tesla, ION Mobility, OMODA JAECOO and VinFast, showcasing innovations across 10 sectors of the EV industry — from light and heavy-duty electric vehicles to hydrogen-powered cars, charging infrastructure and renewable energy solutions.

More than 100 speakers are participating in 20 conference sessions addressing topics including UAE government initiatives on EV adoption, commercial fleet integration, supply chain challenges and investment opportunities in the rapidly growing sector.

Global EV sales are projected to exceed 20 million units this year, capturing over 25 percent of total new car sales worldwide, according to exhibition organizers. The global EV market value is expected to reach $1.39 trillion by 2029.