Dubai Launches Driverless Taxis in Select Districts
Dubai has begun operating driverless taxis in selected areas, marking a new step in the emirate’s push toward autonomous mobility. The service is currently available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with passengers able to book rides through the Apollo Go app during a limited free-rides period or by selecting the “Autonomous” option on the Uber app.
According to the reported fare range, trips booked through Uber cost between Dhs63 and Dhs80. The initiative is being delivered by Dubai Taxi Company in partnership with Chinese technology firm Baidu, which operates the Apollo Go autonomous mobility platform.
The vehicles are fully autonomous and do not require a human driver, although some trips may still include a safety specialist. They rely on artificial intelligence, advanced sensing systems, and real-time decision-making technologies to navigate urban roads. The taxis are designed to respond to pedestrians, traffic signals, and road conditions while complying with local traffic regulations.
The launch follows trial operations with Uber and WeRide that began in April 2025. With the latest deployment, Dubai’s transport network now includes 100 autonomous taxis, reflecting the gradual expansion of the city’s driverless mobility program.
Dubai’s road and transport authorities say the rollout supports the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which aims for 25% of all public transport journeys to be driverless by 2030. The strategy is also expected to contribute to broader social and economic goals, including lower traffic accident rates, higher productivity, and reduced environmental impact.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said autonomous taxis are intended to improve first- and last-mile connectivity and expand transport options for different groups in the community, including senior citizens and people of determination. He also noted that road safety is a key benefit, given that human error is responsible for more than 90% of traffic accidents.
The long-term plan is to scale the driverless fleet to 4,000 vehicles over time and integrate it further into Dubai’s wider transportation system. The current launch represents an important stage in that roadmap, as the city continues to position itself as a leading hub for smart and autonomous transport.
Industry Analysis
Dubai’s latest deployment highlights how autonomous transport is moving from pilot projects into limited commercial use. For mobility operators, the rollout demonstrates a model that combines public-sector planning with private technology partnerships to accelerate adoption. For the wider urban mobility sector, the launch may help establish benchmarks for safety, service integration, and passenger acceptance as driverless services expand across major cities.
At the same time, the move reinforces the growing role of AI-powered transport in public infrastructure strategy. If the planned expansion continues, autonomous taxis could become a more visible part of Dubai’s transport mix, supporting efficiency gains while testing how quickly residents and visitors adopt driverless services in everyday travel.
