Abu Dhabi Expands Autonomous Taxi Services To New Urban Areas

The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has expanded its autonomous taxi network. The new service areas include Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands. This move comes under the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s (SASC) wider strategy.

The expansion is in partnership with WeRide, Uber, and local operator Tawasul Transport. It supports Abu Dhabi’s goal to make 25% of all trips smart mobility-based by 2040.

The autonomous fleet already serves Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Zayed International Airport. With this latest move, the service now covers nearly half of the city’s core areas.

Integration with Abu Dhabi’s Smart Transport Strategy

Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands were chosen due to their complex road networks and high transport demand. These locations are key residential and commercial centres.

Officials said the expansion helps test autonomous vehicle performance in high-traffic areas. It also supports the broader aim of building an AI-powered mobility system.

Since launching in December 2024 on the Uber platform, the autonomous taxi fleet has tripled in size. Further expansion to other parts of Abu Dhabi Island is underway.

Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said the move helps deliver safer and more efficient transport. He noted that the city continues to adopt new technologies to improve daily life.

Strategic Partnerships Driving Growth

Abu Dhabi is the first city in the MENA region to launch commercial autonomous vehicle services. The current fleet stands at 44 vehicles.

WeRide’s fleet in Abu Dhabi is its largest outside the US and China. Jennifer Li of WeRide said the new service areas offer a chance to prove the company’s technology in real-world conditions.

Uber’s regional head of autonomous mobility, Mohamad Jardaneh, stated that the strong local interest shows growing acceptance of driverless technology.

Officials confirmed plans for wider deployment across Abu Dhabi. The project is backed by global and local partners, supporting the emirate’s role in advancing smart transport in the region.

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