Dubai is set to welcome a new fleet of autonomous taxis next year as part of an ambitious expansion of the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) self-driving transport strategy. RTA announced Wednesday that pilot testing will begin later this year with a safety driver onboard before the full commercial launch scheduled for 2026.
Global Operators Join Forces with RTA
The latest announcement comes as RTA strengthens its global partnerships with top autonomous mobility players, including Uber, WeRide, and Baidu’s Apollo Go. These collaborations aim to accelerate the implementation of Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which targets 25% of all city trips to be autonomous by 2030.
Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General and Chairman, emphasized that these agreements are essential to supporting Dubai’s First and Last-Mile Strategy, which aims to enhance connectivity between residential areas and major public transport stations.
Dubai Becomes International Hub for AV Expansion
This initiative marks Baidu’s first foray into Dubai, joining Chinese tech firm WeRide, which launched robotaxis in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Dubai’s progressive regulatory environment and smart infrastructure have made it a favored destination for international autonomous vehicle (AV) developers.
Autogo has also begun trials in Abu Dhabi, while Cruise, backed by General Motors, previously conducted demo rides using its Chevrolet Bolt-based AVs in Dubai’s Jumeirah 1 area.
How to Access Robotaxis in Dubai
Dubai residents and tourists will be able to hail robotaxis through:
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Uber's mobile app (powered by WeRide)
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Apollo Go (for Baidu’s autonomous fleet)
Industry Leaders Praise Dubai’s Vision
Dr. Wang Yunpeng, President of Baidu Intelligent Driving Group, called the partnership with RTA "Apollo Go’s biggest international expansion yet."
Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility, Noah Zych, highlighted Uber’s mission to commercialize autonomous transportation at scale: “Dubai is another important step in our global rollout.”
Jennifer Li, CFO of WeRide, echoed this sentiment: “Dubai marks a natural step in our commitment to the Middle East and our global mobility expansion.”
Apollo Go's Global Track Record
Baidu’s Apollo Go has amassed over 150 million kilometers of safe autonomous driving and more than 10 million autonomous rides across over ten cities in China. Its sixth-generation robotaxi, RT6, has received wide acclaim for its efficiency and passenger experience.
Impact on Road Safety and Accessibility
Mattar Al Tayer emphasized that autonomous vehicles will significantly improve road safety. "Human error is responsible for over 90% of road accidents. AVs also provide mobility solutions for senior citizens, residents, and people of determination," he said.
Final Outlook
With Dubai's aggressive push for smart mobility and sustainable transport, the rollout of these advanced autonomous fleets positions the city as a leading global testbed for driverless technology. Residents can expect a safer, more innovative, and efficient transport future—one ride at a time.
