Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially launched a pilot for its public Robotaxi service, making autonomous vehicle rides available on the Uber app. This landmark initiative, delivered in collaboration with global autonomous driving firm WeRide and ride-hailing giant Uber, marks a significant step towards realizing Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy.
A Glimpse into Dubai’s Autonomous Future
Residents and visitors in Dubai can now book a WeRide Robotaxi directly through the Uber app by selecting the ‘Autonomous’ service option. The initial pilot phase will operate in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of the city’s most prominent districts located near popular public beaches, offering a new, futuristic mode of transport for the community.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at RTA, commented on the launch.
“WeRide Robotaxi vehicles booked through the Uber app will be available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of Dubai’s most prominent areas located near public beaches. Members of the public across all segments of the community can book a WeRide Robotaxi through the Uber app by selecting the ‘Autonomous’ service option.”
Phased Rollout and Safety First
This launch follows an extensive period of testing that began after the RTA and WeRide announced their partnership in April 2025. To ensure maximum safety and reliability during this initial public phase, the service is currently operating with a specialist driver on board. The RTA anticipates a transition to a fully driverless service in early 2026.
“This launch builds on the joint pilot programme between RTA and WeRide, which has, since the partnership announcement in April 2025, undergone successive testing to ensure a smooth transition towards autonomous mobility solutions,” added Bahrozyan.
A Strategic Partnership For Mobility
The collaboration leverages the unique strengths of each partner: RTA’s regulatory oversight, WeRide’s advanced autonomous technology, and Uber’s extensive ride-hailing network. WeRide currently operates approximately 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, with over 100 of them being Robotaxis.
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide, said: “Our progress in Dubai is enabled by our autonomous driving technology that has been tested and validated worldwide. We are expanding rapidly across the Middle East and globally, driven by our vision to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030.”
Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber, stated: “As the world’s largest hybrid network of human drivers and AVs, Uber is building the future of transportation, and we are thrilled by the pace of autonomous adoption in the UAE and the Middle East. This launch in Dubai is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the UAE’s vision for the future of mobility.”
Driving Towards Dubai’s 2030 Vision
This initiative directly supports Dubai’s goal of making 25% of all transportation journeys autonomous by 2030. The city’s rapidly growing population, now exceeding 4 million, is fueling higher mobility demand. In 2024, shared mobility trips, including app-based services, grew by 28% compared to the previous year, highlighting the crucial need for innovative transport solutions and creating an ideal environment for the expansion of autonomous vehicle services.
About The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is the government agency responsible for public transportation and roads in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2005, it is tasked with planning and providing an integrated transport system capable of achieving Dubai’s vision and serving the vital interests of the community.
Source: Dubai Media Office
