Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the expansion of its collaboration with leading global companies in autonomous driving technologies to introduce self-driving taxis in the emirate. This strategic partnership includes Uber Technologies, Inc., WeRide, and China’s Baidu through its autonomous driving arm, Apollo Go. These companies will deploy autonomous vehicles in Dubai via the Uber platform.
This initiative aligns with RTA’s efforts to enhance Dubai’s global leadership in autonomous mobility and solidify its status as the world’s smartest city, making it an ideal place to live and work.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, emphasized that the partnership with Uber, WeRide, and Baidu (Apollo Go) is a significant step in realizing Dubai’s strategy for smart autonomous mobility. He expressed satisfaction with these companies choosing Dubai as their global platform to expand autonomous vehicle operations beyond their home countries.
Al Tayer highlighted that deploying autonomous taxis will integrate with existing transportation systems, facilitating seamless movement for public transport users and aiding them in reaching their final destinations. This initiative supports RTA’s “first and last mile” strategy, focusing on the initial or final leg of a journey to or from the nearest public transport station. Moreover, autonomous vehicles are expected to enhance road safety, considering that human error accounts for over 90% of traffic accidents. These self-driving taxis will also cater to a broad segment of customers, particularly senior citizens, residents, and people of determination.
Uber, through WeRide, and Baidu plan to commence commercial trial operations of autonomous taxis in Dubai this year, with a safety driver present. This pilot phase aims to pave the way for a full commercial launch in 2026. The expansion of autonomous vehicle operations marks a transformative shift in Dubai’s transportation landscape and reinforces RTA’s commitment to enhancing network integration by facilitating the movement of public transport users.
