Autonomous Taxi In Dubai Launching In 2025 – RTA Partners With Uber & WeRide

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has initiated groundbreaking partnerships in autonomous mobility. In collaboration with global leaders such as Uber Technologies, WeRide, and Baidu’s Apollo Go, Dubai is set to launch autonomous taxis. This initiative is a pivotal step toward realizing Dubai’s vision of becoming the smartest city in the world and transforming 25% of all journeys into autonomous trips by 2030.

Paving The Way for Autonomous Mobility

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized that these partnerships are instrumental in advancing Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy. With Uber and WeRide at the forefront, along with Baidu’s Apollo Go, the initiative aims to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and improve road safety by minimizing human errors that account for over 90% of traffic accidents.

The deployment of autonomous taxis will also bolster first and last-mile connectivity, seamlessly integrating with Dubai’s public transport network. As part of the strategic rollout, trials with safety drivers will commence this year, with full-fledged driverless commercial operations expected by 2026. 

Strategic Collaborations With Industry Leaders

Uber & WeRide: Transforming Transportation

Uber’s global expertise in ride-hailing, combined with WeRide’s cutting-edge autonomous technology, marks a significant leap in Dubai’s transport evolution. Noah Zych, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility, said, “We’re thrilled to be working with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to bring autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, starting with our technology partner WeRide.”

Shortly after WeRide launched its RoboTaxi, the brand became the first to receive an autonomous vehicle permit in the Chinese market back in 2020. WeRide then launched several other products like RoboBus, RoboVan, RoboSweeper & WePilot over the next few years. 

The Guangzhou-based brand had first conducted Autonomous Taxi trials on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi back in 2021. After much testing and deliberation, Uber & WeRide launched autonomous taxi services on a few routes in Abu Dhabi last year. Now, this service is set to make it to Dubai later this year.

Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business at WeRide, echoed similar sentiments: “Dubai marks a natural step forward in our commitment to advancing mobility in the Middle East as well as our continued global expansion. We believe our advanced autonomous driving technology and operational experience, combined with Uber’s powerful global mobility platform, will help us serve millions of consumers in cities around the world.”

Baidu’s Apollo Go: Expanding Global Reach

Baidu’s Apollo Go, one of the world’s leading autonomous mobility solutions, has already achieved over 150 million kilometers of safe autonomous driving in China. With the launch in Dubai, Apollo Go aims to bring its vast experience to the UAE, reinforcing the city’s ambition to be a global innovation hub. Dr. Wang Yunpeng, Baidu’s Corporate Vice President, emphasized that this expansion represents Apollo Go’s most significant international endeavor to date. Over 1,000 Apollo Go Robotaxis are expected to be deployed on UAE roads.

Enhancing Safety & Efficiency

Autonomous taxis promise a safer and more efficient transportation network by leveraging AI-driven precision. These vehicles are designed to minimize road accidents, optimize traffic flow, and provide reliable transport solutions for senior citizens and people of determination. Furthermore, Autonomous Vehicles align with Dubai’s sustainability goals by promoting electric and eco-friendly transportation options.

Future Roadmap & Implementation

RTA and its partners will collaborate on pilot programs, focusing on technological integration, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks. The broader adoption of autonomous vehicles will reshape Dubai’s transport sector, offering residents and visitors a smarter, safer, and more efficient commuting experience.

Dubai’s commitment to innovation in mobility is unwavering, and this initiative is just the beginning. As the city gears up for a driverless future, it continues to set global benchmarks in autonomous transportation, reinforcing its position as a leader in next-generation urban mobility.

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