Dubai launches its first driverless RoboTaxi service, operating 24/7 from 65 locations in Jumeirah & Umm Suqeim. Book via app as city aims for 25% autonomous trips by 2030.
Dubai has officially entered the future of urban mobility, launching the first phase of its driverless RoboTaxi service. This groundbreaking initiative introduces a fleet of autonomous vehicles operating 24/7 across 65 designated locations in key areas like Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, marking a major step in the city's smart transport ambitions.
The initial rollout creates a structured network for pick-ups and drop-offs in high-traffic residential, commercial, and tourist zones. This strategic deployment forms the operational backbone for a broader expansion, aligning with the Dubai RTA's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which targets 25% of all trips to be autonomous by 2030.
The service is powered by strategic global partnerships, including with U.S.-based Cruise and China's Baidu Apollo Go. Overseeing the fleet is the new Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre at Dubai Science Park—the first such facility for the program outside China. This centre manages everything from real-time vehicle monitoring and software updates to safety coordination.
Passengers can book a driverless RoboTaxi through a dedicated mobile app, similar to existing ride-hailing platforms. The vehicle navigates autonomously to the pick-up point, offering 24/7 availability without a human driver. This model promises greater convenience and potential long-term cost savings.
Parallel services are also live. For instance, WeRide, in partnership with Uber, offers robotaxi rides bookable through the Uber app under an "Autonomous" category in similar zones, helping acclimate the public to the technology.
The vehicles are equipped with advanced LiDAR, cameras, and sensor suites to navigate complex urban environments safely. Crucially, the RTA has granted permits for fully autonomous trials without safety drivers, a significant regulatory milestone that positions Dubai as a global leader in commercial self-driving deployment.
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Beyond convenience, Dubai's RoboTaxi project is a strategic move towards reducing congestion, improving road safety, and lowering emissions. It represents a core component of the emirate's vision to be a global model for smart, connected, and sustainable urban living.
As trials progress, the service is expected to expand, with a full commercial rollout anticipated by early 2026. The world will be watching Dubai's pioneering integration of autonomous technology, which offers vital lessons for cities globally aiming to transform their own transportation ecosystems.
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