Dubai Roads launches a trial service for self-driving robotaxis

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched the trial service of robotaxi vehicles to the public via the Uber application in the Emirate of Dubai, in partnership with WeRide, a global specialist in self-driving technologies, and Uber Technologies, in a step that is consistent with Dubai’s strategy for self-driving transportation.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, Executive Director of the Public Transport Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, confirmed that WeRide robotaxis via the Uber application will be available in the Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah areas, which are among the most prominent areas in Dubai and are close to public beaches. The WeRide robotaxi booking service will be available to the public from various segments of society through the Uber application by choosing a self-driving service.
He said: This launch comes as an extension of the joint pilot program between the Authority and WeRide, which has witnessed, since the announcement of the partnership in April 2025, successive tests being conducted to ensure a smooth transition towards autonomous transportation solutions. The service is currently operating with a (specialized driver) in the vehicle to ensure a safe and reliable service, in preparation for the launch of a complete service without a driver at the beginning of the year 2026.
For her part, WeRide’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business, Jennifer Lee, said: Our progress in Dubai is due to the self-driving technologies that we are developing, which have been tested and verified in multiple markets around the world. We are achieving rapid expansion in the Middle East and on a global level, driven by our vision to deploy tens of thousands of robotaxis by the year 2030. We are pleased to work with leading regulatory bodies in the region such as the Roads and Transport Authority, which shares the same ambition with us in developing the smart mobility system, and with Uber, whose global platform supports accelerating the adoption of driverless transportation solutions.
Sarfaraz Maridia, Head of Self-Driving Mobility at Uber, commented: We at Uber are working to build the future of transportation as our platform is the largest hybrid network in the world that combines drivers and self-driving vehicles. We are pleased to witness the adoption of self-driving technologies in the UAE and the Middle East region at a rapid pace, and this launch in Dubai confirms our continued commitment to supporting the vision of the UAE, and specifically the Emirate of Dubai, in the future of transportation, by converting 25% of transportation trips to self-driving by 2030.
This launch reinforces Dubai’s pioneering role in the field of smart mobility, and supports WeRide and Uber’s plans to expand their operations in the region, with an aspiration to deploy thousands of self-driving vehicles in the coming years, as WeRide currently has approximately 150 self-driving vehicles in the Middle East, including more than 100 robotaxis.
Dubai is witnessing continuous population growth exceeding 4 million people, which contributes to raising the pace of mobility and enhances reliance on shared mobility services and vehicle requesting services through applications in the emirate, as the transportation system in Dubai during the year 2024 recorded more than 153 million trips via public transport, taxis and shared mobility, which includes mobility services through vehicle requesting applications, and the demand for shared mobility services increased by 28% compared to 2017. 2023, which confirms the growing demand for more innovative and flexible mobility solutions, and creates a suitable environment for developing and expanding the operation of autonomous vehicle services during the next stage.