Dubai Launches Public Trial of Free Self-Driving Taxi Service

DUBAI — Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched public operations of its autonomous taxi service, offering residents free driverless rides in two of the emirate's coastal neighbourhoods, as part of the city's push to advance smart mobility. The RTA publicised the free access on July 15, 2026, encouraging residents to experience the technology firsthand.

"Your next ride could be autonomous, and it's currently free," the RTA said in a social media post announcing the service, which is being rolled out in partnership with autonomous driving firms Apollo Go and WeRide. Passengers can request the driverless vehicles through the Uber and Apollo Go mobile apps.

Where the Service Operates

Initial coverage centres on Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of Dubai's most popular coastal districts near public beaches. The RTA's first commercial phase includes 100 autonomous taxis, supplied through partnerships with Apollo Go and WeRide. Tawasul Transport manages the WeRide units, while Dubai Taxi Company supports Apollo Go's local operations. The authority has not disclosed operating hours, wider route boundaries, or an end date for the free pricing.

Uber customers can select the "Autonomous" service option and be matched with a WeRide vehicle when availability permits, while Apollo Go customers book through its own app. On the Apollo Go app, users choose pick-up and drop-off points within the service zone, then unlock the vehicle using a one-time password provided in the app before beginning their journey.

From Supervised Trials to Fully Driverless

The free public service marks the latest step in a gradual rollout. More than 60 vehicles from Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai were operating in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim by September 2025. WeRide opened passenger bookings through Uber in December 2025 with a vehicle specialist on board, and the RTA granted WeRide a fully driverless trial permit in February 2026. Commercial operations officially launched on March 30, 2026, with 100 vehicles. The current free service removes the onboard specialist for most trips, completing the transition to fully autonomous operation, though the RTA notes a safety specialist may still be present during certain journeys as the service is closely monitored.

The vehicles operate within an integrated system powered by artificial intelligence, high-definition digital maps, and deep learning algorithms, processing real-time data to make driving decisions. They can interact with dynamic traffic conditions, including intersections, traffic signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles, while complying with traffic regulations. Apollo Go's RT6 vehicle carries some 40 sensors and detectors, and the company had recorded more than 150 million kilometres of safe driving and over 10 million autonomous trips across multiple cities by early 2025.

Part of Dubai's 2030 Vision

The initiative supports Dubai's Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which targets making 25% of all journeys in the city autonomous by 2030. The RTA plans to expand the taxi fleet gradually as demand and operating performance rise, with longer-term plans envisioning thousands of driverless taxis on Dubai's roads. Officials say the shift is expected to ease traffic, cut emissions, and reduce accidents.

The Dubai launch has also drawn major international players deeper into the market. WeRide and Uber committed in February 2026 to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis across the Middle East, spanning Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, while Baidu's Apollo Go has positioned Dubai as its first international operating market outside mainland China and Hong Kong.