Dubai is set to commence self-driving taxi trials this year following a landmark agreement signed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) with Uber and WeRide to pilot autonomous vehicles within the emirate.
This agreement represents a significant milestone on the path towards a fully autonomous future in urban transport. The initiative will launch later this year via the Uber app, with safety drivers present during the initial phase.
The collaboration firmly establishes Dubai as a global leader in next-generation mobility innovations.
Self-driving Uber taxis in Dubai
Preparatory work is already in progress, led by Uber and WeRide under the strategic supervision of the RTA.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, stated: “The introduction of autonomous vehicles in Dubai signifies a substantial step towards a smart and sustainable mobility future, in alignment with our leadership’s vision to transform Dubai into the world’s smartest city.
“It also supports the objectives of the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25 per cent of all transport journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips across various modes by 2030.
“This Memorandum of Understanding strengthens Dubai’s global standing in embracing advanced and sustainable transport systems, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and promoting innovative mobility solutions.”
He further noted that autonomous vehicles will enhance quality of life, improve road safety, and provide smoother last-mile connectivity across Dubai’s wider public transport network.
