Dubai has officially commenced test runs for its autonomous taxi service, marking a significant step towards its planned commercial launch in the first quarter of 2026. The announcement was made by Khaled Al Awadi, Director of Transportation Systems at the Public Transport Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This initiative solidifies the emirate’s ambition to be at the forefront of integrating future mobility solutions.
The trial operations are currently being conducted in select areas of the city, including Jumeirah. The pilot projects involve international technology leaders in the autonomous vehicle sector: Baidu (with its Apollo Go service), Pony.ai, and WeRide. These companies have existing cooperation agreements with the RTA. A fleet of 60 vehicles is participating in this initial testing phase, comprising 50 from Baidu and 10 from WeRide. The vehicles underwent initial, closed-track testing at Dubai Silicon Oasis before receiving authorization to operate on public roads. For safety during this trial period, the cars will have a backup driver present behind the wheel.
The testing process is being closely monitored by RTA specialists, who are conducting rigorous technical assessments alongside an independent evaluation of all safety measures. Al Awadi emphasized that following the successful completion of these trials, the commercial service launched in early 2026 will feature fully autonomous vehicles operating without a driver present. The necessary regulatory framework to govern the operation of these driverless taxis has already been established, paving the way for their future integration into Dubai’s public transportation network. This move is a key part of Dubai’s broader strategy to transform urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion.
© All rights reserved. Created with Dubsty
