Driverless taxi services set for full commercial launch by 2026 as global tech ties deepen
Dubai: Dubai is gearing up to take another bold leap in its smart mobility journey. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced today that it has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Uber Technologies, Inc. and WeRide, a global autonomous driving leader, to kickstart pilot operations of self-driving taxis later this year.
Initially, the autonomous vehicles (AVs) will operate with a safety driver on board and be available via the Uber app. These trials aim to pave the way for the full-scale, driverless commercial rollout of robotaxis in Dubai by 2026, aligning closely with the city’s vision of making 25 per cent of all trips in Dubai autonomous by 2030.
Ramping up global partnerships
The announcement follows RTA’s strategic expansion of partnerships with major global AV technology providers, including Uber, WeRide, and Baidu’s Apollo Go. These collaborations are part of the city’s broader Self-Driving Transport Strategy and aim to establish Dubai as a global testing ground for next-gen mobility solutions.
“This agreement with Uber, starting with WeRide as the technology partner and soon Baidu, represents a major milestone in transforming public transport,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA’s Board of Executive Directors.
The collaboration is also part of RTA’s First and Last-Mile Strategy, designed to streamline travel between public transport stations and commuters’ starting or ending points.
The MoU marks Dubai as a key international hub for AV expansion beyond East Asia, North America, and Europe.
The MoU marks Dubai as a key international hub for AV expansion beyond East Asia, North America, and Europe.
Dubai Media Office
