Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a significant stride towards smart mobility, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a pilot program for a public Robotaxi service on the Uber app. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the autonomous driving firm WeRide, positions Dubai among the first cities globally to provide self-driving vehicle access through a popular ride-hailing service.

The service is currently operational in two bustling coastal areas—Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah—known for their high foot traffic and residential density. Riders can select the “Autonomous” option when booking through the Uber application. During this preliminary phase, every Robotaxi will have a safety supervisor on board as the city transitions to a fully autonomous model expected to launch by early 2026.

This pilot project follows a series of extensive tests which commenced after the partnership between the RTA and WeRide was established in April 2025. The plan aims to progressively incorporate autonomous vehicles into Dubai’s transportation framework, in line with the emirate's vision of achieving 25% of all journeys via autonomous means by 2030.

WeRide has already made significant inroads in the region, operating approximately 150 autonomous vehicles throughout the Middle East, including over 100 Robotaxis. The firm is set to expand significantly in the coming years, driven by rising interest in next-gen mobility solutions.

As Dubai’s population surpasses 4 million, the demand for public and shared transport continues to grow. In 2024, the city documented over 153 million trips using public transport, taxis, and shared mobility services. App-based ride-hailing and shared mobility experienced a 28% increase from 2023, underscoring the need for innovative, tech-driven transport solutions.

The launch of Robotaxi rides on the Uber platform reflects Dubai's increasing readiness to embrace autonomous technology. With rising public interest and substantial investment from key global players, the emirate is firmly establishing its role as a leader in future mobility and preparing for larger-scale autonomous vehicle operations in the near future.

#Global News #Dubai