Dubai is preparing to officially launch RoboTaxis on its roads in the first quarter of 2026. However, the sight of these self-driving vehicles is already becoming a reality, with pilot trials beginning in select areas of the city. According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the first round of testing has begun, with RoboTaxis spotted in neighbourhoods like Jumeirah.
The experiments are part of a bigger deal between the Dubai RTA and prominent autonomous vehicle companies to provide driverless taxis to the city. During the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, officials confirmed that testing will take place on both closed and open tracks. The RTA received special permits to conduct these trials.
Currently, 60 vehicles are involved in the program. Baidu owns 50, while WeRide owns 10. Both businesses have successfully completed trial runs and are currently testing RoboTaxis with safety drivers present. Attendees were even offered demonstration rides in Baidu’s RoboTaxis and asked to share their feedback.
The Dubai World Congress, attended by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focused on the city’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2025-2040. With nearly 3,000 attendees and 80 presenters, the event highlighted Dubai’s goal to be a leader in autonomous mobility.
