Key Takeaways
- The Dubai driverless taxis program will start in early 2026, with the first ride launching next month.
- This initiative supports Dubai’s smart mobility strategy and aims to integrate autonomous vehicles into public transport.
- The service will initially operate in select areas, with plans to expand to other emirates by the end of 2026.
- The autonomous cars will use AI, cameras, and real-time data processing, with technology support from partners like Baidu’s Apollo Go.
- Dubai plans to scale the taxi fleet to over 1,000 vehicles as part of its broader transport innovation roadmap.
The Dubai driverless taxis program will begin operations in early 2026. Dubai Taxi Company confirmed that the first autonomous taxi ride is scheduled to launch next month. The announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer Mansoor Al Falasi. The rollout forms part of Dubai’s broader smart mobility strategy.
The Dubai driverless taxis initiative aligns with the emirate’s long-term autonomous transport goals. Authorities aim to integrate self-driving vehicles into the public transport system under regulatory supervision.
Rollout Plan for Dubai Driverless Taxis
The Dubai driverless taxis service will initially operate in selected areas. Expansion to additional emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman, is planned during 2026. The phased approach follows testing and technical validation.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has outlined plans for broader public deployment in the first quarter of 2026. Full operations without a human safety driver are subject to regulatory approval. Pilot trials have already taken place on public roads to evaluate performance and safety systems.
The deployment supports Dubai’s strategy to convert a percentage of total transportation trips into autonomous journeys in the coming years.
Technology Behind Dubai Driverless Taxis
The Dubai driverless taxis fleet will use autonomous vehicles equipped with artificial intelligence, cameras, sensors, and real-time data processing systems. One of the key partners in the project is Baidu’s Apollo Go platform. The RT6 autonomous vehicle model is being prepared for service integration.
Dubai has also opened an autonomous vehicle control center at Dubai Science Park. The facility manages fleet monitoring, operations, and maintenance for driverless taxis. Additional global technology partners are involved in pilot programs supporting the rollout.
The system is designed to enhance operational efficiency and integrate with existing smart transport infrastructure.
Expansion Strategy for Dubai Driverless Taxis
Plans include scaling the Dubai driverless taxis fleet to more than 1,000 autonomous vehicles in future phases. The service will operate alongside other mobility projects such as air taxis and advanced public transport systems.
The initiative is part of Dubai’s wider transport innovation roadmap. Authorities continue to test and refine systems before large-scale deployment.