Dubai is launching driverless taxis in 2025, with 50 autonomous cabs hitting the streets in a pilot program by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Apollo Go.
This landmark move marks the beginning of what Dubai envisions as a smarter, safer, and more efficient transportation ecosystem—one that could soon become the global benchmark for urban mobility.
From China to the UAE: Apollo Go Brings Driverless Innovation to Dubai
Apollo Go, a pioneer in autonomous mobility services under tech heavyweight Baidu, has already completed over 10 million self-driving rides in China. Now, it’s bringing its latest-generation vehicle—the RT6—to Dubai for the pilot programme.
These self-driving taxis are outfitted with 40 high-tech sensors and detectors to maximize safety and operational accuracy. Designed to navigate real-world traffic conditions without human intervention, the RT6 represents one of the most advanced iterations of autonomous vehicles to date.
Dubai’s RTA is targeting a full fleet of 1,000 Apollo Go cabs over the next three years, building toward a longer-term vision of 4,000 driverless taxis across the city.
Why Dubai is Betting Big on Self-Driving Transport
This initiative falls under the umbrella of the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, a forward-thinking government plan that aims to make 25% of all local transportation autonomous by 2030.
The rationale is both practical and visionary:
- 12% reduction in traffic accidents, largely by eliminating human error
- 13% increase in productivity, with reduced commute stress and better time management
- Dhs22 billion in projected savings, including:
- Dhs900 million in transport cost reductions
- Dhs1.5 billion from lower environmental pollution
- Dhs18 billion from improved sector efficiency
In a statement, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA, emphasized Dubai’s readiness to embrace emerging technologies.
“Self-driving transport has become a reality, with global companies accelerating the development of the necessary technology and software,” Al Tayer said. “RTA is committed to enhancing Dubai’s global leadership in autonomous mobility.”
A Glimpse into the Future: Dubai’s Expanding Autonomous Transport Network
The driverless taxi trials are not Dubai’s first foray into self-driving innovation. In 2024, the RTA tested Chevrolet Bolt autonomous vehicles in Jumeirah, laying the groundwork for future implementation.
Meanwhile, Dubai is also welcoming Uber’s WeRide platform, adding further diversity and global collaboration to its autonomous transport ecosystem.
In addition to road transport, the city is exploring other smart mobility solutions such as:
- Autonomous air taxis
- Driverless marine vehicles
- Smart mobility hubs
These efforts are all part of the larger strategy to position Dubai as a global testbed for cutting-edge transport innovation.
How Driverless Taxis Could Change Life in Dubai
The implications of driverless taxi integration go far beyond convenience. For Dubai residents and visitors, the benefits are tangible:
- Enhanced road safety with fewer accidents caused by human error
- Wider accessibility, serving the elderly, people of determination, and non-drivers
- Eco-friendlier operations, reducing carbon footprints
- Time savings from more efficient route planning and traffic management
And with Dubai’s ever-growing population and tourist influx, expanding transport capacity without expanding congestion is a strategic necessity.
What’s Next for Dubai’s Driverless Taxi Rollout?
The initial 50 vehicles will operate under close supervision as part of the pilot scheme, expected to launch within the next few months. Based on real-world performance and feedback, the service will then expand into a broader rollout in 2026.
RTA and Apollo Go are currently finalizing regulatory frameworks, licensing protocols, and smart infrastructure upgrades to ensure a seamless transition into this new era of transport.
Dubai Accelerates Toward a Driverless Future
Dubai’s 2025 driverless taxi launch is a leap toward smarter, safer, and greener urban mobility.
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