The rollout includes the deployment of 100 autonomous taxis with a gradual expansion of the fleet in the coming years
We’ve been talking about driverless taxis in Dubai for the past few years now, and we’ve just got official news from the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) that they are hitting the roads.
RTA announced the launch of commercial operations on March 30, 2026.
Commercial operations of the taxi service will begin in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. The authority has teamed up with Apollo Go and WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) – a global leader in autonomous driving technologies – to make these driverless taxis possible.
Vehicles developed by WeRide are available to book through the Uber app, while Tawasul Transport handles day-to-day fleet operations. Meanwhile, Apollo Go – a subsidiary of Baidu – offers its own driverless rides via the Apollo Go app, working alongside Dubai Taxi Company to support local operations.
The launch highlights Dubai as a prime destination for global autonomous driving companies, while advancing the goals of the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy and cementing the emirate’s position as a leader in future mobility.
The first driverless taxis will hit Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of Dubai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods located near public beaches. The rollout begins with 100 vehicles, with plans to gradually expand the fleet as demand grows and Dubai moves closer to a tech-driven transport future.
*Free driverless taxis now running on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi*
The road to driverless taxis
The decision to introduce driverless cars to the road wasn’t a quick road.
Extensive trials were conducted across Dubai to test system performance, responsiveness to traffic conditions, and overall safety – all in line with the highest operational standards.
Autonomous vehicles run on an integrated system powered by artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and real-time decision-making, allowing for safe and seamless journeys across city streets and open roads alongside everyday traffic.
Using AI, detailed digital maps and deep learning, these driverless taxis can process information and make decisions in real time. They’re designed to handle everything from busy intersections to pedestrians and traffic lights, all while following the rules of the road.
The system is backed by extensive real-world experience, with the fleet logging over 150 million kilometres of safe driving and completing more than 10 million autonomous trips across cities worldwide. This track record has helped shape advanced, scalable models ready for commercial use.
Images: RTA
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