Dubai has launched its first pilot public Robotaxi service by means of the Uber app, marking a serious milestone within the emirate’s transition towards autonomous mobility.
The initiative is being delivered in partnership with WeRide, a worldwide autonomous driving know-how firm, and helps Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Technique, which goals to realize 25 per cent autonomous journeys by 2030.
The pilot reinforces Dubai’s place as a regional chief in sensible mobility and next-generation transport options.
Robotaxi journeys in Dubai
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed that the WeRide Robotaxi service is now out there for reserving by means of the Uber app in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Company at RTA, stated: “WeRide Robotaxi autos booked by means of the Uber app can be out there in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of Dubai’s most outstanding areas positioned close to public seashores.
“Members of the general public throughout all segments of the neighborhood can guide a WeRide Robotaxi by means of the Uber app by choosing the ‘Autonomous’ service choice.
“This launch builds on the joint pilot programme between RTA and WeRide, which has, for the reason that partnership announcement in April 2025, undergone successive testing to make sure a clean transition in the direction of autonomous mobility options.
“The service is presently working with a specialist driver on board to make sure a secure and dependable expertise, paving the way in which for a completely driverless service in early 2026.”
Uber and WeRide partnership
Jennifer Li, Chief Monetary Officer and Head of Worldwide at WeRide, stated: “Our progress in Dubai is enabled by our autonomous driving know-how that has been examined and validated worldwide. We’re increasing quickly throughout the Center East and globally, pushed by our imaginative and prescient to deploy tens of hundreds of Robotaxis by 2030.
“ We’re happy to associate with forward-thinking regulators like RTA, who share a equally daring dedication to advancing autonomous mobility, and with Uber, whose international platform will assist speed up the adoption of driverless transportation.”
Sarfraz Maredia, International Head of Autonomous at Uber, stated: “Because the world’s largest hybrid community of human drivers and AVs, Uber is constructing the way forward for transportation, and we’re thrilled by the tempo of autonomous adoption within the UAE and the Center East.
“This launch in Dubai is a testomony to our ongoing dedication to the UAE’s imaginative and prescient for the way forward for mobility and contributes on to Dubai’s purpose of reaching 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.”
The way forward for transport
WeRide presently operates round 150 autonomous autos within the Center East, together with greater than 100 Robotaxis.
Dubai’s fast-growing inhabitants — now exceeding 4m residents — continues to drive increased mobility demand and better reliance on shared mobility platforms.
In 2024, the emirate recorded greater than 153m journeys throughout public transport, taxis and shared mobility companies, together with app-based ride-hailing.
Demand for shared mobility rose 28 per cent in contrast with 2023, reinforcing the necessity for progressive, scalable and autonomous mobility options.
The pilot programme is anticipated to speed up Dubai’s transition to totally driverless companies in early 2026, supporting the emirate’s long-term objectives for sustainable, environment friendly and technology-driven transportation.
