Dubai has moved forward in its smart transport plans by starting a trial public Robotaxi service, which people can now book through the Uber app.
This project is a partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), autonomous driving company WeRide, and Uber. It supports Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all trips in the city autonomous by 2030.
People can book a Robotaxi by choosing the “Autonomous” option in the Uber app. For now, the service is available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two well-known areas close to public beaches.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said the launch builds on the pilot program between RTA and WeRide that began testing in April 2025. At this stage, a trained driver will still be inside the vehicle to ensure safety, but the plan is to introduce a fully driverless service by early 2026.
This pilot shows Dubai’s leadership in adopting modern transport technology and supports the future growth of both WeRide and Uber in the region. The city’s population has crossed 4 million, increasing demand for smart mobility services. In 2024, Dubai recorded over 153 million trips through public transport, taxis, and shared mobility. Demand for app-based shared services grew by 28% compared to 2023.
WeRide already operates around 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, including over 100 Robotaxis, and plans to add thousands more in the future.
