Dubai aims to start pilot operations of autonomous taxis later this year

Deal with Uber, WeRide, Apollo Go

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled plans to introduce autonomous taxis to the emirate. The move follows the signing of partnerships with Uber Technologies, WeRide, and Baidu through its autonomous mobility arm, Apollo Go.

The launch of autonomous taxis will begin with pilot operations later this year.

Initially, safety operators will accompany the vehicles to ensure smooth operations, with plans to launch fully driverless services by 2026. Dubai’s RTA envisions that the autonomous taxis will significantly enhance Dubai’s transportation ecosystem by improving first- and last-mile connectivity, vital in integrating public transport systems in the Arabian Gulf emirate.

The introduction of autonomous taxis is expected to enhance Dubai’s transportation infrastructure and improve road safety. Studies show that human error is responsible for over 90% of traffic accidents, and the transition to autonomous vehicles is expected to significantly reduce such incidents. Moreover, these services will provide excellent mobility options for a wide range of users, particularly senior residents and people with disabilities.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at Dubai’s RTA, noted that the new collaborations are a pivotal part of Dubai’s RTA’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy. The strategy aims to convert 25% of all trips in Dubai to autonomous journeys by 2030, marking a significant step toward a future of driverless transport.

Al Tayer stated: “These two partnerships, with Uber and WeRide as the technology partner and Baidu (Apollo Go), will accelerate the progress of Dubai’s transport strategy, as part of a broader vision to integrate self-driving vehicles into the city’s transport network.”

“We are delighted that both Uber, with its partner WeRide, and Baidu, through Apollo Go, have chosen Dubai as the hub for their international autonomous operations,” said Al Tayer. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to working with global technology leaders and further builds upon our series of successful autonomous mobility trials that began in 2016.”

Al Tayer elaborated: “These autonomous taxis will bridge the gap between public transport stations and residential areas, ensuring greater mobility options and improved accessibility for all.”

Baidu’s Apollo Go platform will spearhead its most significant international expansion beyond China. Dr Wang Yunpeng, Baidu’s Corporate Vice President and President of Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group, said: “Apollo Go’s partnership with [Dubai’s] RTA is a landmark moment in our global growth. We are excited to bring our autonomous driving expertise to Dubai, supporting the city’s ambitious vision for future mobility.”

Apollo Go has completed over 150 million kilometres of autonomous driving in China. The platform has also begun fully driverless operations in several Chinese cities and continues to expand its fleet, which now includes the sixth-generation robotaxi RT6.

Noah Zych, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, said: “We are excited to collaborate with [Dubai’s] RTA to bring autonomous vehicles to the Uber platform, starting with our technology partner WeRide. Uber is committed to advancing the future of transportation by working with the best autonomous vehicle developers globally to scale this technology.”

Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International Business at WeRide, noted that Dubai represents a significant milestone in their global expansion. “Dubai is a key market for us as we continue growing in the Middle East. We are confident that our advanced autonomous technology and Uber’s global reach will enable us to serve millions of consumers across the region.”

The partnership between RTA, Uber, WeRide, and Baidu marks a transformative shift in Dubai’s transportation landscape. It reinforces the emirate’s commitment to innovation and ambitious goals for a sustainable and efficient autonomous transportation future. With these key partnerships, Dubai is poised to lead the world in autonomous mobility solutions.

Image: The launch of autonomous taxis in Dubai City will begin with pilot operations later this year. Credit: Dubai’s RTA