Dubai rolls out first 100 driverless taxis in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim
Bookings available through Uber and Apollo Go apps
DUBAI – Dubai has officially entered the next phase of its smart mobility journey, with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announcing the launch of commercial operations for its self-driving taxi service.
The rollout begins in the coastal districts of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s push towards driverless transport.
The service is being introduced in partnership with Apollo Go and WeRide, both recognised leaders in autonomous driving technologies. The first phase of the rollout includes the deployment of 100 fully autonomous taxis within Dubai’s transport network, with further expansion planned in the coming years.
Driverless taxis launch
Passengers can now book autonomous taxis through familiar digital platforms, with vehicles available on both the Uber app and the Apollo Go app. The integration is expected to accelerate user adoption by offering a seamless booking experience through widely used services.
The initial deployment of 100 vehicles is designed to support gradual scaling, allowing authorities to monitor performance and demand before expanding the fleet further. The phased approach aligns with the emirate’s broader vision of integrating advanced technologies into its urban infrastructure.
Regional expansion
The Gulf region has emerged as a key market for autonomous vehicle companies, particularly Chinese firms seeking international growth. Strong demand for ride-hailing services, combined with forward-looking regulations and modern infrastructure, has positioned cities like Dubai as prime testing grounds.
WeRide, active in the Middle East since 2021, continues to operate robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, where public passenger operations remain ongoing. The company has highlighted the region’s importance in its global expansion strategy.
Meanwhile, Baidu has strengthened its presence through Apollo Go, having launched commercial robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. The Gulf is increasingly seen as a competitive arena where global players are advancing autonomous mobility at scale.
Future vision
The commencement of commercial operations further reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading destination for global autonomous driving companies. The emirate’s advanced infrastructure, clear strategic direction and readiness of smart systems continue to support rapid innovation in transport technologies.
Dubai is targeting 25 percent of all journeys to be autonomous by 2030 under its Self-Driving Transport Strategy. Across the region, similar ambitions are taking shape, with Abu Dhabi aiming for 25 percent of trips by 2040 and Saudi Arabia targeting 15 percent by 2030.