Dubai Launches Driverless Taxi Pilot Program
Residents of Dubai now have access to a revolutionary transport experience with the introduction of driverless taxi rides. This initiative is spearheaded by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with Uber and WeRide, a firm specializing in autonomous mobility. As part of this pilot program, residents can enjoy up to 50 rides completely free of charge.
Availability of the Robotaxi Service
The Robotaxi service is integrated into the Uber app, where users can select the ‘Autonomous’ ride option. Initially, the service is accessible in the Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah neighborhoods, operating daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. For safety reasons, a trained safety driver remains in the vehicle during this pilot phase, paving the way for anticipated fully autonomous operations early next year.
In a promotional offer running until January 2026, Uber is providing users 50 complimentary rides, with each trip capped at Dh500. This offer is valid for rides that start and end within the designated service areas.
Cost Comparisons and Savings
This service presents a significant cost-saving opportunity for riders. For instance, a typical ride from Jumeirah Mosque to Kite Beach—normally around Dh45 on UberX during peak times—can now be taken for free using the autonomous option. This makes exploring the city not only easier but also more economical.
Designated Pick-Up and Drop-Off Points
The driverless taxis currently operate from 20 specific pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. Key spots include Kite Beach, La Mer Beach, Jumeirah Public Beach, and the Four Seasons Resort. Importantly, the ‘Autonomous’ option will only be visible in the Uber app if the user is near one of these approved points. Should the service be unavailable at their location, users will see a notification explaining that autonomous rides are limited to certain areas, accompanied by a map of eligible zones.
Booking Your Driverless Taxi
Booking a ride in a Robotaxi is straightforward. Users simply open the Uber app and input their destination. If both the chosen pick-up and drop-off locations fall within the designated areas, the ‘Autonomous’ option will appear alongside standard ride types. A promotional banner highlighting “100% off Autonomous rides” will be displayed, allowing riders to redeem their free trips before January 29, 2026. Once users select this option, they can confirm their pick-up location and request the ride, but should be prepared for waiting times that may range from five to over 20 minutes, depending on the demand and availability of the vehicles.
Features of the Robotaxi Vehicles
The WeRide Robotaxi is designed to accommodate up to five passengers comfortably, featuring spacious legroom in both second and third-row seating. Currently, WeRide operates around 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, showcasing their commitment to service and technology. Jennifer Li, the Chief Financial Officer at WeRide, expressed enthusiasm about this program, stating that Dubai symbolizes their confidence in autonomous driving technology, which has been globally tested. The company envisions deploying tens of thousands of Robotaxis throughout the region by 2030.
Integrating into Dubai’s Vision for Mobility
The launch of this pilot program is aligned with Dubai’s broader Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all journeys in the emirate to autonomous transport by 2030. WeRide is just one of three companies collaborating with the RTA on self-driving taxi trials, alongside Pony.ai and Apollo Go, a venture by Baidu, the Chinese tech giant. Previous trials by Apollo Go featured pre-set routes and additional comfort features, such as massage seats, as companies continue to refine autonomous mobility solutions under real-world conditions.
