DUBAI: A new era of transport is on the horizon as Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) gears up to deploy autonomous taxis across the city.
With partnerships secured with global players Uber, Baidu’s Apollo Go, and WeRide, the initiative is set to transform mobility in the emirate. Trials will begin later this year with a safety driver before a full commercial launch in 2026, RTA announced on Wednesday.
The project is a major step in realising Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 percent of all journeys in the city autonomous by 2030.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, stated that these partnerships would enhance connectivity and improve road safety, benefiting residents and visitors alike.
Dubai's self-driving taxis
RTA has intensified its collaboration with leading autonomous vehicle developers to establish Dubai as a hub for driverless transport. This marks Baidu’s Apollo Go’s first international expansion beyond China, while WeRide had already launched robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi in 2021. The first autonomous vehicles will operate through Uber’s platform, seamlessly integrating into Dubai’s transport network.
The project aligns with RTA’s First and Last-Mile Strategy, designed to make it easier for passengers to reach public transport stations from their point of origin or final destination. “Deploying autonomous taxis will enhance the integration of our transport systems and support sustainability,” said Al Tayer.
How to hail a robotaxi?
Dubai’s self-driving taxis will be accessible via the Uber app for WeRide-operated vehicles and through Baidu’s Apollo Go platform. As one of the largest global operators, Apollo Go has already accumulated over 150 million kilometres of safe autonomous driving. Since February, it has been running fully driverless operations across China, completing more than 10 million autonomous rides.
Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility, Noah Zych, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “We are working with the world’s leading autonomous vehicle developers to commercialise this technology at scale.”
Transforming road safety
Autonomous vehicles are expected to significantly reduce accidents, as over 90 percent of road crashes are caused by human error. Dubai’s strategy aims to create safer streets by deploying AI-driven taxis that adhere to precise traffic regulations.
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer of WeRide, said, “Dubai marks a natural step in our commitment to advancing mobility in the Middle East and expanding globally.”
With trials beginning this year, Dubai’s vision for autonomous transport is set to become a reality, making driverless taxis a regular sight by 2026.