Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that autonomous taxis will begin pilot operations by the end of this year. The initiative, in collaboration with Uber and WeRide, is part of a broader plan to officially launch the service in 2026.
In the initial phase, vehicles will include a safety driver and be accessible through the Uber app. This trial is a step forward in Dubai’s vision to become a smart and sustainable city in terms of transportation.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the RTA Board, the project supports Dubai’s Smart Mobility Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all urban trips autonomous by 2030.
During the preparation stage, over 60 specially equipped vehicles will be deployed across 65 designated areas in Dubai for road mapping, data collection, and route scanning.
Uber and WeRide have previously launched similar pilot programs in Abu Dhabi. Uber’s regional director for the Middle East and Africa noted that the future of transportation is “autonomous, electric, and shared.”
WeRide also confirmed plans for international expansion, with a special focus on Middle Eastern cities. The company aims to launch its Robo Taxis in 15 additional cities over the next five years.
