Robotaxis hit Dubai streets in pilot launch

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Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the launch of its public Robotaxi service, marking a major step towards autonomous mobility.

The pilot service is now available for booking on the Uber app and operates in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah — two prominent areas located near public beaches.

The initiative is a collaboration between the RTA, WeRide and Uber, and forms part of Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 per cent of all journeys autonomous by 2030.

Riders can book a WeRide Robotaxi by selecting the ‘Autonomous’ option on the app.

For now, the Robotaxis will have a safety driver on board to ensure a smooth and secure experience, with plans to transition to fully driverless rides by early 2026.

Officials say the launch follows months of rigorous testing since the partnership was announced in April this year.

WeRide and Uber say Dubai’s rapid adoption of smart mobility will support their plans to scale up autonomous fleets across the region, where WeRide already operates about 150 autonomous vehicles, including more than 100 Robotaxis.

 

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