Dubai has launched its first public Robotaxi pilot, marking a significant step toward autonomous mobility. The service, offered through a major ride-hailing app in partnership with WeRide, aligns with the emirate’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims for 25 per cent autonomous journeys by 2030. As a result, the initiative strengthens Dubai’s position as a regional leader in smart and next-generation mobility solutions.
The Roads and Transport Authority confirmed that the WeRide Robotaxi can now be booked in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. These areas were selected because they are among the city’s most prominent coastal neighbourhoods. Moreover, the launch allows residents and visitors to book trips by choosing the “Autonomous” option in the app. Although the service is being introduced gradually, a specialist driver remains on board to ensure safety ahead of a fully driverless rollout in early 2026.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency at RTA, said: “WeRide Robotaxi vehicles booked through the Uber app will be available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of Dubai’s most prominent areas located near public beaches. Members of the public across all segments of the community can book a WeRide Robotaxi through the Uber app by selecting the ‘Autonomous’ service option. This launch builds on the joint pilot programme between RTA and WeRide, which has, since the partnership announcement in April 2025, undergone successive testing to ensure a smooth transition towards autonomous mobility solutions. The service is currently operating with a specialist driver on board to ensure a safe and reliable experience, paving the way for a fully driverless service in early 2026.”
Partnership Supports Dubai’s Autonomous Vision
The collaboration is also accelerating international expansion plans for WeRide and supporting broader adoption of autonomous vehicles across the region. Additionally, the partnership is expected to deploy thousands of driverless vehicles in the coming years, which will further enhance the city’s transport ecosystem.
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide, said: “Our progress in Dubai is enabled by our autonomous driving technology that has been tested and validated worldwide. We are expanding rapidly across the Middle East and globally, driven by our vision to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030. We are pleased to partner with forward-thinking regulators like RTA, who share a similarly bold commitment to advancing autonomous mobility, and with Uber, whose global platform will help accelerate the adoption of driverless transportation.”
Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber, said: “As the world’s largest hybrid network of human drivers and AVs, Uber is building the future of transportation, and we are thrilled by the pace of autonomous adoption in the UAE and the Middle East. This launch in Dubai is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the UAE’s vision for the future of mobility and contributes directly to Dubai’s goal of achieving 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.”
Rising Demand Drives Innovation in Mobility
Dubai’s rapidly growing population, which has surpassed four million residents, continues to increase demand for efficient and scalable mobility options. Furthermore, the emirate recorded more than 153 million trips across public transport, taxis and shared mobility services in 2024. Since shared mobility usage increased by 28 per cent compared with 2023, the need for advanced autonomous solutions has intensified.
WeRide currently operates around 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, including more than 100 Robotaxis, demonstrating strong regional momentum. Consequently, the pilot is expected to accelerate Dubai’s shift to fully driverless services in early 2026. This transition will support the emirate’s long-term goals for sustainable, technology-driven and highly efficient transportation.
