Dubai rolls out self-driving robotaxi pilot ahead of 2026 full launch
Residents can now book autonomous rides in select areas
DUBAI – The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially launched a pilot public Robotaxi service through the Uber app, marking a significant step in Dubai’s journey towards fully autonomous mobility.
The initiative, a collaboration with WeRide and Uber Technologies, supports Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims for 25% of all journeys to be completed by autonomous vehicles by 2030.
أطلقت #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات بالشراكة مع أوبر ووي رايد، خدمات مركبات روبوتاكسي ذاتية القيادة في مختلف مناطق #دبي عبر تطبيق أوبر.
— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 11, 2025
كل ما عليكم فعله هو اختيار خيار "ذاتية القيادة – Autonomous" للاستمتاع برحلة ذاتية القيادة ضمن مواقع مختارة في منطقتَي أم سقيم وجميرا.
ويؤكد هذا… pic.twitter.com/Su2t3DWu6s
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at RTA, confirmed that WeRide Robotaxis are available for bookings in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of the city’s high-traffic areas near public beaches. He explained that all residents and visitors can access the service by selecting the ‘Autonomous’ option on the Uber app.
Pilot operations
The pilot programme, which has been in development since April 2025, currently features a safety driver on board to ensure smooth operations and passenger security. This controlled approach is designed to prepare the public for a fully driverless service expected to launch in early 2026. The testing period has focused on refining operational reliability, navigation in dense urban areas, and the overall passenger experience.
Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, highlighted the global experience behind the technology. “Our autonomous driving systems, validated worldwide, are now being adapted for Dubai’s urban environment,” she said. “We are expanding rapidly in the Middle East and beyond, aiming to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030. Partnering with regulators like RTA and platforms like Uber accelerates the adoption of driverless mobility.”
Autonomous journeys
Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous, emphasised the broader regional significance: “Dubai’s pilot reflects the UAE’s commitment to the future of transportation. With our hybrid network of human drivers and autonomous vehicles, we are helping achieve Dubai’s goal of 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.”
The launch reinforces Dubai’s leading role in smart mobility while supporting WeRide and Uber’s regional expansion. Currently, WeRide operates around 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, including over 100 Robotaxis. The city’s population now exceeds four million, driving higher demand for shared mobility and app-based ride-hailing services.
Mobility trends
In 2024, Dubai’s transport network logged more than 153 million trips across public transport, taxis, and app-based services. Shared mobility demand rose by 28% compared with 2023, signalling growing public readiness for innovative transport solutions such as autonomous vehicles. The RTA’s Robotaxi pilot is positioned to meet this rising demand while showcasing Dubai’s commitment to pioneering smart urban mobility.