Dubai has taken another major step toward the future of transportation by introducing a free autonomous taxi service for the public. The new driverless ride service is now available in the Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim areas, allowing residents and visitors to experience self-driving vehicles at no cost during the initial rollout.
The initiative is led by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in partnership with autonomous driving companies Apollo Go and WeRide, supporting the emirate's long-term vision of becoming one of the world's leading smart mobility hubs.
Free Driverless Taxi Rides Now Available
Starting from July 15, 2026, passengers can book autonomous taxis through familiar ride-hailing platforms.
Customers using Uber may be matched with a WeRide autonomous vehicle when one is available, while Apollo Go operates its own dedicated booking application for its fleet. During this introductory phase, all rides are being offered free of charge, giving the public an opportunity to experience driverless transportation firsthand.
The service currently operates within Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, two of Dubai's busiest coastal neighborhoods.
Multiple Partners Power the New Service
The autonomous taxi program brings together several public and private sector partners.
- Apollo Go manages its autonomous driving technology through its own mobile platform.
- WeRide provides autonomous vehicles that can be booked through Uber.
- Dubai Taxi Company supports Apollo Go's local fleet operations.
- Tawasul Transport oversees fleet management and operational support for WeRide vehicles.
- RTA supervises the overall deployment and regulatory framework.
This collaborative approach combines advanced autonomous technology with local transport expertise to ensure safe and efficient operations.
From Pilot Testing to Commercial Operations
Dubai has spent the past two years preparing for the launch of commercial driverless taxi services.
Testing began with autonomous vehicles operating on selected roads before expanding into larger pilot programs. In late 2025, WeRide started offering autonomous rides through Uber, although each vehicle still carried a safety specialist.
The latest rollout removes the onboard specialist, marking Dubai's transition to fully autonomous commercial taxi operations.
The first phase includes a fleet of 100 autonomous taxis, operating under the unified Dubai Future Ride identity introduced by the RTA.
AI Powers Every Journey
The self-driving taxis rely on advanced artificial intelligence and a network of sophisticated sensors to navigate Dubai's roads safely.
The vehicles use:
- Artificial intelligence for real-time driving decisions
- High-definition mapping technology
- Deep learning algorithms
- Cameras, radar, LiDAR, and other advanced sensors
- Continuous monitoring of surrounding traffic, pedestrians, and road conditions
Apollo Go's RT6 autonomous vehicle alone is equipped with approximately 40 sensors that continuously analyze the driving environment while complying with local traffic regulations.
Before entering public service, the vehicles completed extensive testing under Dubai's regulatory framework.
Dubai Pushes Ahead with Smart Transport Goals
The launch forms part of Dubai's ambitious Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all transportation journeys autonomous by 2030.
Rather than focusing solely on taxis, the strategy covers multiple transport modes, including public transit and future mobility solutions.
Authorities plan to gradually expand the autonomous taxi fleet as technology matures, public demand grows, and operational performance continues to improve.
Reports indicate that Apollo Go alone intends to deploy up to 1,000 autonomous vehicles in Dubai over the coming years, subject to regulatory approvals and operational readiness.
Growing Demand for Smarter Mobility
With Dubai's population surpassing four million residents, demand for convenient, efficient, and technology-driven transportation continues to rise.
Autonomous taxis are expected to improve mobility by reducing waiting times, enhancing road safety, and supporting the emirate's broader sustainability and digital transformation goals.
The current free trial also allows residents to become familiar with driverless technology while helping operators collect valuable operational data before expanding services to additional locations.
Looking Ahead
Dubai's latest autonomous taxi rollout represents another milestone in its journey toward becoming a global leader in intelligent transportation. By combining artificial intelligence, innovative mobility solutions, and strategic public-private partnerships, the emirate continues to reshape the future of urban travel.
As autonomous vehicle technology evolves and service areas expand, driverless taxis are expected to play an increasingly important role in Dubai's modern transport ecosystem, bringing the city closer to its vision of smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility.
