Dubai to Launch Self-Driving Taxis by 2026 to Enhance Road Safety and Connectivity

In a groundbreaking move, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the launch of self-driving taxis in Dubai by 2026. The initiative aims to improve road safety, enhance transport connectivity, and solidify Dubai’s position as a global leader in autonomous mobility.

Strategic Partnerships for Autonomous Mobility

The self-driving taxis will be introduced through the Uber platform in collaboration with leading autonomous vehicle (AV) technology providers:

✅ Uber Technologies
✅ WeRide
✅ Baidu’s Apollo Go

These partnerships mark a crucial step in Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all journeys into autonomous trips by 2030.

“This initiative is part of RTA’s vision to make Dubai the smartest city in the world, enhancing connectivity and ensuring a safer, more efficient transport system,”

– Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General & Chairman, RTA

Boosting Connectivity and Reducing Traffic Accidents

The deployment of self-driving taxis aligns with RTA’s First and Last-Mile Strategy, which focuses on improving public transport access by:

🚖 Enhancing connectivity for commuters between transport hubs and their destinations.
🚖 Reducing congestion and travel time by optimizing urban mobility.
🚖 Increasing road safety, as human error accounts for over 90% of traffic accidents.
🚖 Serving vulnerable communities, including senior citizens and people of determination.

Trials Set to Begin in 2025

Uber, WeRide, and Baidu’s Apollo Go will conduct pilot trials of autonomous taxis in Dubai this year, with safety drivers behind the wheel. The trials will pave the way for a fully driverless rollout by 2026.

“This initiative represents Apollo Go’s biggest international expansion beyond China. We are committed to delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient transport solutions globally.”

– Robin Li, Co-founder & CEO, Baidu

Global Leaders in Autonomous Mobility Join Dubai’s Vision

Baidu’s Apollo Go

✅ 150+ million km of safe autonomous driving.
✅ Operating in 10+ Chinese cities.
✅ World’s largest driverless fleet operator.

Uber’s Expansion into AVs

✅ Uber is partnering with leading AV developers to commercialize self-driving technology.
✅ Dubai will be one of the first cities globally to integrate autonomous taxis into Uber’s platform.

WeRide’s Vision

✅ Committed to expanding into the Middle East.
✅ Leveraging Uber’s platform to reach millions of users worldwide.

Dubai’s Future as a Global Smart Mobility Hub

With this initiative, Dubai is taking another major step toward becoming a global leader in autonomous mobility. The integration of self-driving taxis will redefine urban transport, creating a more connected, efficient, and safer road network.