Dubai to Launch Self-Driving Taxis with More Operators, Pilot Testing Set for 2025

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that a fresh fleet of self-driving taxis from multiple operators will debut in the city next year. The announcement was made on Wednesday, with RTA revealing that pilot testing will begin later this year. Initially, a safety driver will be seated behind the wheel during these tests, paving the way for the driverless commercial launch expected in 2026.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasized that the trial phase is an essential part of ensuring the safety and efficiency of the autonomous vehicles before they are fully operational. “We are preparing for a seamless integration of autonomous vehicles into our public transport network,” Al Tayer said.

As part of the initiative, the RTA has expanded its global partnerships with leading autonomous driving technology providers Uber, WeRide, and Baidu through its autonomous mobility arm, Apollo Go. These partnerships mark a crucial step forward in Dubai's ambitions to revolutionize its transportation system.

The fleet from WeRide, a Nasdaq-listed Chinese self-driving automotive company, will be integrated into Uber’s mobile application, allowing Dubai residents and visitors to hail robotaxis directly through the platform. Additionally, Baidu’s services, powered by Apollo Go, will offer another option for autonomous transport in the city.

Al Tayer highlighted the importance of these collaborations in advancing Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all city journeys to autonomous trips across various transport modes by 2030.

With the continued development of self-driving technologies and the expansion of autonomous mobility services, Dubai is setting the stage for a new era in urban transportation, bringing futuristic travel options closer to reality for residents and visitors alike.