Dubai speeds up autonomous taxi rollout plans with global tie-ups

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has strengthened its push into autonomous mobility by forging new partnerships with global technology leaders, aiming to bring self-driving taxis to the emirate.

The initiative includes strategic agreements with Uber Technologies, WeRide and China’s Baidu through its Apollo Go unit — marking a major step in Dubai’s efforts to establish itself as a global leader in future mobility solutions.

The partnerships will see autonomous vehicles (AVs) deployed through Uber’s platform in Dubai, with WeRide spearheading the rollout. Baidu’s Apollo Go, one of the world’s foremost providers of autonomous ride-hailing services, will also commence operations as part of the agreement.

The initiative aligns with RTA’s broader Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to transition 25 per cent of all journeys in Dubai to autonomous modes by 2030.

#RTA has expanded its global partnerships with leading autonomous driving technology providers to deploy autonomous taxis in #Dubai. The collaboration includes a strategic partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER), and WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), who will launch AVs in… pic.twitter.com/LuB1fPjXBt

— RTA (@rta_dubai) April 2, 2025

Autonomous transport: A step toward smarter cities

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, said the agreements underscore Dubai’s ambition to integrate cutting-edge transportation solutions and enhance urban mobility.

“These partnerships represent a crucial step in advancing Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy,” Al Tayer said. “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.”

Al Tayer also highlighted the safety benefits of autonomous vehicles, noting that human error is responsible for over 90 per cent of traffic accidents. “This initiative will cater to a wide segment of the community, including senior citizens, residents, and people of determination,” he added.

Uber and WeRide will begin testing autonomous taxis in Dubai this year, with a safety driver present, before moving toward a fully driverless commercial launch in 2026.

Baidu and Uber expand footprint in Dubai

Baidu’s expansion into Dubai represents its most significant international move outside China, with Apollo Go having more than 150 million kilometres of safe autonomous driving to its credit.

“This ambitious partnership with RTA is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to innovation in mobility,” said Dr Wang Yunpeng, Baidu’s corporate VP and president of the Intelligent Driving Group. “We aim to deliver safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation solutions to global markets.”

Uber is also deepening its focus on autonomous mobility. “We’re thrilled to work with RTA to bring autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, starting with WeRide,” said Noah Zych, Uber’s global head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to scaling self-driving technology worldwide.”

WeRide sees Dubai as a key market in its global strategy. “Dubai is a natural step forward in our Middle East expansion,” said Jennifer Li, chief financial officer and head of International Business at WeRide. “Our collaboration with Uber will accelerate the deployment of advanced autonomous mobility solutions.”

Apollo Go has been at the forefront of large-scale autonomous ride-hailing services, having recently launched fully driverless operations across multiple Chinese cities.

The company’s sixth-generation robotaxi, RT6, has been well received by passengers and is expected to play a significant role in the Dubai rollout.