Dubai has officially launched its driverless taxis, with the first phase now running in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim
The rollout is part of the city’s wider push towards smarter mobility, with 100 driverless taxis being introduced in the first stage. Riders can currently book them through the Uber app and the Apollo Go app.
The road to driverless taxis
Ahead of the launch, extensive trials were carried out across the city to test how the vehicles respond to traffic, road conditions and everyday situations on the street, all while meeting strict safety and operational standards.
These taxis are powered by a mix of artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, detailed digital maps and deep learning technology. That means they can process information in real time and react to things like intersections, pedestrians, traffic lights and surrounding vehicles while following road rules.
The technology behind the service also comes with serious real-world experience. According to Dubai Media Office, the operator’s fleet has already logged more than 150 million kilometres of safe driving and completed over 10 million autonomous trips in cities around the world.
Where you can book one for now
At the moment, the service is only available in select parts of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, with wider expansion expected later. Dubai Media Office said the service launched in those two areas first, with plans to gradually grow the fleet and coverage over the coming years.
How much does it cost?
Fares for Dubai’s driverless taxis are broadly in line with standard ride-hailing options, depending on distance and demand.
Some example journeys include:
- Jumeirah Mosque to Souk Madinat Jumeirah – Dhs68.87
(Compared to UberX Dhs53, Comfort Dhs67, VanXL Dhs83) - Kite Beach to Souk Madinat Jumeirah – Dhs30.07
(Compared to UberX Dhs26, Electric Dhs26, Comfort Dhs32, Family Dhs36, VanXL Dhs40, Black Dhs42)
Overall, prices sit somewhere between UberX and higher-tier options like Comfort or VanXL, making it a mid-range choice for now.
Is there anyone in the front seat?
Uber-booked robotaxis in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim had started running without a vehicle operator on board. That means whether someone is in the front seat may depend on the operator, app and stage of rollout.
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