What happened?
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched free autonomous taxi services for the public in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
Who is affected?
Residents and visitors in the two areas can now book driverless rides using the Uber or Apollo Go apps.
Why does it matter?
The launch marks another major step towards Dubai’s goal of making 25% of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030.
Dubai launches free autonomous taxi service in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah
Dubai is bringing the future of transport to its streets. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened its autonomous taxi service to the public, allowing residents and visitors to experience driverless rides in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah at no cost during the current rollout phase.
Announced by the RTA, the service is part of Dubai’s long-term vision to become one of the world’s leading smart cities. The autonomous taxis can now be booked through the Uber and Apollo Go mobile applications, giving passengers a chance to experience self-driving technology in real-world conditions.
The launch follows months of successful testing and marks another milestone in the emirate’s journey towards smarter, safer and more sustainable mobility.
Where are the autonomous taxis currently operating?
The first public service area covers two of Dubai’s busiest residential and leisure districts:
- Umm Suqeim
- Jumeirah
Residents within these locations can request an autonomous taxi through the supported booking apps, just as they would book a regular ride.
According to the RTA, the initial phase allows the authority to monitor operations, gather passenger feedback and further optimise the service before expanding it across more parts of Dubai.
For now, the rides are available free of charge, encouraging more people to experience autonomous mobility firsthand.
Who is operating Dubai’s driverless taxi service?
The initiative is the result of partnerships between several leading transport and technology companies.
The autonomous taxis are powered by Apollo Go, Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing platform, alongside autonomous driving technology company WeRide.
The rollout also involves local transport operators, including Dubai Taxi Company and Tawasul Transport, which support fleet operations under the RTA’s regulatory framework.
These partnerships combine advanced self-driving technology with Dubai’s transport infrastructure to safely introduce autonomous vehicles into everyday public transport.
How does this support Dubai’s smart mobility plans?
The launch is part of the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy, one of the city’s flagship initiatives to transform urban mobility.
The strategy aims to make 25% of all transportation journeys in Dubai autonomous by 2030, reducing traffic congestion, improving road safety and enhancing transport efficiency.
Autonomous mobility is also expected to support Dubai’s sustainability goals by improving traffic flow and reducing emissions through smarter transport systems.
The RTA has consistently invested in innovative transport technologies as part of Dubai’s wider digital transformation strategy, positioning the city among global leaders in future mobility.
Why did the public rollout happen now?
Before opening the service to the public, the autonomous taxis underwent extensive testing on Dubai’s roads.
Pilot operations began in late 2025, allowing engineers and transport authorities to assess the vehicles under various road and traffic conditions. The testing phase focused on safety systems, navigation performance, and compliance with Dubai’s transport regulations.
Following successful trials, the RTA began commercial deployment earlier this year with an initial fleet of 100 autonomous taxis.
The latest public launch enables more residents to experience the technology while helping authorities collect valuable operational data ahead of future expansion.
What can residents expect next?
The current rollout is only the beginning.
According to the RTA, the autonomous taxi fleet will gradually expand to additional areas across Dubai based on operational performance and public demand.
As more vehicles are introduced, residents can expect greater access to driverless transport as part of the city’s integrated public mobility network.
The project also strengthens Dubai’s reputation as a testing ground for emerging transport technologies, attracting global mobility companies and supporting innovation-driven economic growth.
With investments continuing across artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure and autonomous transport, driverless taxis are expected to become an increasingly familiar sight on Dubai’s roads over the coming years.
Key highlights
- Free autonomous taxi rides are now available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
- Bookings can be made through Uber and Apollo Go.
- The service is currently operating with an initial fleet of 100 autonomous taxis.
- The project supports Dubai’s goal of making 25% of transport journeys autonomous by 2030.
- The fleet will gradually expand to more locations across Dubai.
FAQs
How can I book Dubai’s autonomous taxi?
Passengers can book a driverless taxi through the Uber or Apollo Go mobile applications in supported service areas.
Is the autonomous taxi service free?
Yes. The RTA has confirmed that rides are currently offered free of charge during the present public rollout phase.
Where is the service available?
The autonomous taxis are currently operating in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
Who developed the autonomous taxis?
The service operates through partnerships between the RTA, Apollo Go, WeRide, Dubai Taxi Company and Tawasul Transport.
Will autonomous taxis expand to other areas?
Yes. The RTA has announced plans to gradually expand the service across Dubai as operations continue.
Dubai continues to move closer to its vision of becoming a global leader in smart mobility. The launch of free autonomous taxi rides gives residents an early opportunity to experience the future of transport while supporting the emirate’s wider goals of safer, smarter and more sustainable travel.
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