Driverless taxis to hit Dubai roads this year

Dubai is set to mark a major milestone in its smart mobility vision with the launch of driverless taxis later this year. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Sunday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Uber Technologies, Inc., and WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, to begin pilot operations of self-driving taxis in the city.

In the initial phase, the autonomous vehicles (AVs) will operate with safety drivers on board and be accessible through the Uber app. These pilot trials will lay the groundwork for the full commercial deployment of driverless taxis by 2026. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s ambitious target of making 25 percent of all trips in the city autonomous by 2030.

The agreement reflects RTA’s ongoing efforts to expand partnerships with major international AV technology providers, including Uber, WeRide, and Baidu’s Apollo Go, as part of Dubai’s broader Self-Driving Transport Strategy. The city aims to position itself as a global hub for testing and implementing next-generation mobility solutions.

“The introduction of autonomous vehicles in Dubai represents a significant step towards a smart and sustainable future, in line with our leadership’s vision to transform Dubai into the world’s smartest city,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

Al Tayer added that the new partnership further strengthens Dubai’s position as a global leader in adopting advanced transport technologies and innovative mobility solutions. The initiative also supports the RTA’s First and Last-Mile Strategy, designed to enhance connectivity between public transport stations and passengers’ starting or ending destinations.

With these advancements, Dubai continues to push the boundaries of futuristic transportation, aiming to redefine urban mobility on a global scale.