Dubai Gears Up for Driverless Taxis by End of 2025

The rollout begins with an extensive phase of road mapping and data collection across 65 designated zones in Dubai. These smart cabs, which will initially operate with a safety driver on board, will gather essential information to navigate the city’s complex road network. Once these trials are complete, Dubai residents can expect a full commercial launch – completely driverless – as early as the first quarter of 2026.

The initiative is part of Dubai’s wider strategy to make 25 percent of all transport trips autonomous by 2030. In collaboration with tech leaders like Uber, WeRide, and Baidu, the city aims to enhance road safety, reduce traffic incidents, and improve productivity. Baidu’s Apollo Go service, which has already logged over 150 million kilometres of autonomous driving in China, brings proven experience to the table.

By 2027, up to 1,000 self-driving taxis could be operating across Dubai. These vehicles, such as Baidu's RT6 model, come with 40 advanced sensors and detectors to ensure top-tier safety and performance standards.

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