Dubai is set to introduce self-driving taxis through Uber’s platform by 2026, as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) strengthens its push into autonomous mobility. The initiative is backed by partnerships with global technology leaders WeRide and Baidu’s Apollo Go.
Under the agreement, WeRide will spearhead the rollout, while Baidu’s Apollo Go, will also commence operations. The initiative aligns with RTA’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 per cent of all journeys in Dubai autonomous by 2030.
“Since launching autonomous mobility trials in 2016, we have continuously expanded our initiatives. The deployment of autonomous taxis will significantly enhance first and last-mile connectivity for public transport users, in line with our broader First and Last-Mile Strategy,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA about the agreements,
Uber
Uber is a global ride-hailing and mobility platform that is expanding its focus on autonomous transportation. Through its partnership with RTA and WeRide, Uber aims to integrate self-driving taxis into its Dubai operations.
WeRide
WeRide is a leading autonomous driving technology company specializing in self-driving solutions. It sees Dubai as a key market in its Middle East expansion and is leading the rollout of autonomous taxis through Uber’s platform.
Apollo Go (Baidu)
Apollo Go, a subsidiary of China’s Baidu, is one of the world’s foremost autonomous ride-hailing providers. With extensive experience in fully driverless operations across multiple Chinese cities, it is now expanding its footprint into Dubai.
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