By Dubai has taken a major leap forward in smart mobility with the launch of its Electric Robotaxi Pilot, marking a new era for autonomous transport in the city. The pilot public Robotaxi service is now available for bookings in key urban areas through the Uber app, bringing self-driving vehicles one step closer to everyday life.
The initiative forms part of Dubai’s ambitious Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 % of all journeys autonomous by 2030, redefining how residents and visitors move across the emirate.
Pilot Service Now Live with Autonomous Rides
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai announced that the electric robotaxi service has begun operating on a pilot basis in prominent districts such as Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. Users can now hail an autonomous robotaxi directly through the Uber app by selecting the new “Autonomous” service option.
At this early stage, the robotaxis are accompanied by a specialist safety driver on board to ensure a reliable and secure experience, but Dubai plans to transition to fully driverless operations as early as 2026.
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The robotaxi fleet is powered by autonomous driving technology supplied by WeRide, a global leader in self-driving systems. The company has been testing and refining its technology in collaboration with RTA since the partnership was announced in April 2025.
Strategic Partnership with Uber and WeRide
The pilot service is the result of a strategic partnership between:
- Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- WeRide, an autonomous driving technology firm
- Uber, a global ride-hailing platform
Uber’s platform enables riders to book robotaxi rides seamlessly alongside regular vehicle options, bringing autonomous mobility into the mainstream ride-hailing ecosystem. WeRide’s technology portfolio includes a fleet of autonomous vehicles deployed around the world, and this partnership accelerates Dubai’s adoption of next-generation transport services.
Dubai’s transportation demand continues to grow rapidly, with the city’s network recording over 153 million trips in 2024 across public transport, taxis and shared services, underscoring the need for innovative mobility solutions.
Vision for a Driverless Future
The Electric Robotaxi Pilot is just one milestone in Dubai’s broader strategy. By starting with supervised robotaxi operations, officials aim to build public trust and gather real-world data before scaling to fully autonomous rides without onboard staff. This measured approach supports safety and regulatory compliance while paving the way for transformative change.
This pilot also reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in transportation innovation and positions the city as a testbed for autonomous driving technologies. Alongside other initiatives — such as autonomous zones and partnerships with companies like Pony.ai and Baidu’s Apollo Go the robotaxi programme represents a major step toward the future of urban mobility in the Middle East.
