Abu Dhabi’s journey towards a tech-driven transport future is picking up speed. Driverless taxis are now operating on Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands—two of the most densely populated and strategically located areas in the capital. With this move, nearly half of Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape is now served by autonomous vehicles, offering a glimpse of what daily travel in the UAE could look like in just a few years.
The expansion is part of the emirate’s ongoing efforts to adopt cutting-edge transport solutions while enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and safety across its road networks.
Why Al Reem and Al Maryah?
These two islands are among Abu Dhabi’s busiest zones, featuring residential towers, corporate offices, shopping centres, and medical facilities. Adding autonomous taxis to their transport ecosystem allows more people to experience this technology while easing congestion and reducing dependency on traditional cars.
The roll-out here wasn’t random. It builds upon earlier trials on Yas and Saadiyat Islands, where self-driving vehicles successfully demonstrated safe and efficient performance in real-world conditions.
How the driverless taxi system works
The autonomous taxis currently in operation are part of the wider “TXAI” smart mobility project. Users can book rides via a mobile app, similar to how they would with traditional ride-hailing services. Though the vehicles are driverless in operation, a safety officer remains present for now to monitor systems and assist if needed.
Each vehicle is equipped with advanced sensors, radar, AI-based decision systems, and electric engines—making them both smart and sustainable.
The ultimate goal is to remove human drivers entirely and scale the system across more districts in the emirate.
Benefits of the expansion
The introduction of driverless taxis on Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands is not just a tech milestone—it comes with tangible urban benefits:
- Reduced congestion: Optimised AI-driven navigation helps avoid traffic bottlenecks
- Eco-friendly travel: Electric autonomous vehicles mean lower carbon emissions
- Accessibility: Enhances mobility for residents without private cars or access to public transport
- Urban safety: Fewer human errors on roads can reduce the risk of accidents
This approach supports Abu Dhabi’s broader sustainability and digital transformation strategies, both of which align with the UAE’s national innovation agenda.
Part of a larger vision
Authorities have made it clear—this is just the beginning. The Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) initiative, in partnership with technology developers and government regulators, plans to extend autonomous mobility services to more areas of Abu Dhabi, including commercial zones and outer suburbs.
By 2040, the emirate aims to make one in four trips within its borders smart and driverless. With the current progress, that target looks more achievable than ever.
The rollout of autonomous taxis in Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands represents a leap forward for smart mobility in the UAE. For residents, it means easier, greener, and safer commutes. For Abu Dhabi, it confirms its position as a regional leader in adopting future-ready urban innovations.
This quiet transformation is already underway on the roads—and it’s only going to get bigger.
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