Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially launched its autonomous taxi service for public use across the coastal districts of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. Announced on the RTA’s official social media platforms, the landmark rollout transitions the city's self-driving trials into a fully functional transport option for commuters.
Members of the public can now summon fully driverless passenger vehicles directly to their locations. Under the initial launch phase, the RTA has introduced a promotional fare of just Dhs 5 per trip for rides booked through the Apollo Go application.
The service operates on open public roads alongside regular city traffic. The driverless fleet is powered by advanced artificial intelligence, high-definition digital mapping, and a suite of up to 40 onboard sensors designed to safely navigate complex intersections, traffic signals, and pedestrian crossings without human intervention.
To bring this technology to Dubai's streets, the RTA has collaborated with major global and local mobility partners Apollo Go operated by Dubai Taxi Company in partnership with Baidu, and WeRide managed by Tawasul Transport.
The initiative aligns with the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which targets converting 25% of all transport journeys in the emirate into smart, driverless trips by 2030. The RTA plans to scale the initial fleet of 100 autonomous vehicles gradually to over 1,000 in the coming years as local demand grows.
For Dubai residents, daily commuters, and visitors exploring Jumeirah's public beaches and cafes, the service offers an affordable, futuristic alternative to standard taxi services. The service area currently focuses on the coastal Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim corridors, with booking accessibility expected to expand to other ride-hailing platforms as the network grows.
How To Book A Driverless Ride
- For Apollo Go Vehicles: Download the Apollo Go app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, select a destination within Jumeirah or Umm Suqeim, and book for the promotional Dhs 5 fare.
- For WeRide Vehicles: Open the Uber app within the active service boundaries and select the 'Autonomous' vehicle option.