UAE approves federal law regulating self-driving vehicles

The UAE has approved a new federal regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, paving the way for wider trials and commercial use of driverless transport across the country.

The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

New Rules for Self-Driving Vehicles

The new law establishes clear regulations for the inspection, registration and licensing of autonomous vehicles. It also sets out rules for companies seeking to test new self-driving vehicle technologies.

The framework defines the responsibilities of vehicle agents, operators and passengers, while also outlining the roles of federal and local government authorities in regulating autonomous transport.

Focus on Safety and Sustainability

The UAE government said the new regulations will support the adoption of cleaner technologies and help reduce pollution from road transport.

The framework also aims to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety and reduce accidents involving autonomous vehicles.

By introducing a federal framework, the UAE is moving towards a more unified regulatory system for self-driving vehicles across all seven emirates. This is expected to provide greater consistency while supporting innovation in the rapidly developing autonomous mobility sector.

Dubai's Autonomous Transport Ambitions

Dubai already has regulations governing autonomous vehicles. In 2023, the emirate introduced rules for operating commercial autonomous transport services under the supervision of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Under the rules, autonomous vehicles cannot operate on public roads without a specific licence from the RTA.

Dubai aims to make 25 per cent of all trips smart and driverless by 2030.

Autonomous Taxi Services Expand

In February 2026, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, directed the start of official autonomous taxi operations in the emirate. The initial fleet is planned to include 100 self-driving vehicles.

More recently, Uber Technologies announced that Baidu's fully driverless Apollo Go vehicles had become available for booking through the Uber platform.

Passengers requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort in selected areas of Dubai may be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle. The service initially covers parts of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans for further expansion.

Abu Dhabi Advances Driverless Mobility

Abu Dhabi has also made significant progress in autonomous transport. The emirate recently issued its first operating permits for fully driverless vehicles in the region.

It has also introduced special blue licence plates for self-driving vehicles, allowing authorities to identify them more easily while they operate on public roads.