Dubai Launches Free Autonomous Taxi Rides in Coastal Areas
RTA opens driverless public rides in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah through Uber and Apollo Go.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened free autonomous taxi rides for the public in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
RTA announced the free access on July 15, 2026, expanding driverless taxi operations across two coastal areas near public beaches. Passengers can book the vehicles through Uber and Apollo Go.
RTA's first commercial phase includes 100 autonomous taxis, provided through partnerships with Apollo Go and WeRide. Tawasul Transport manages WeRide units, while Dubai Taxi Company supports Apollo Go's local operations. RTA invited residents to try the vehicles and said rides are currently free.
Passengers can use two apps
Uber users can choose the Autonomous service option and get a WeRide vehicle when one is available. The fleet assignment depends on vehicle supply inside the active service area.
Tawasul handles dispatch and operations for WeRide taxis booked through Uber. Apollo Go customers can use its own app, while Dubai Taxi Company manages local fleet needs.
Uber first started offering WeRide passenger rides in December 2025. Those pilot trips included a vehicle specialist. The current free service removes the specialist and completes the move to fully autonomous operation.
Initial coverage is focused on Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. RTA has not shared operating hours, full route details or an end date for the free rides.
Public users can access the vehicles through existing consumer apps instead of an RTA booking channel. WeRide trips go through Uber's ride-matching system. Apollo Go keeps direct control of its booking app, while Dubai Taxi Company provides local operating support.
Fleet moves from testing to commercial use
RTA launched commercial operations on March 30, 2026, after trials on approved roads. More than 60 vehicles from Apollo Go, WeRide and Pony.ai operated in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim by September 2025.
WeRide opened passenger bookings through Uber in December 2025 with a specialist on board. Driverless commercial service followed during 2026.
RTA introduced Dubai Future Ride as a common identity for approved autonomous vehicles. First-phase capacity stands at 100 taxis across the commercial network.
Apollo Go started its Dubai programme with 50 RT6 vehicles for testing and data collection. April 2025 agreements made Dubai Apollo Go's first international operating market outside mainland China and Hong Kong. Testing checked system performance in Dubai's live traffic before commercial launch.
Sensors and software run the vehicles
Autonomous taxis use artificial intelligence, high-definition maps and deep learning algorithms. Onboard systems read road conditions in real time and make driving decisions without human control.
Vehicle software handles intersections, traffic lights, pedestrians and nearby vehicles while following road rules. The vehicles operate on open roads alongside live traffic.
Apollo Go's RT6 has 40 sensors and detectors. RTA completed operational trials before releasing the vehicles into commercial traffic. Apollo Go had recorded more than 150 million kilometres of safe driving by April 2025.
Its vehicles had also completed over 10 million autonomous trips across several cities. WeRide operated about 150 autonomous vehicles across the Middle East by December 2025, including more than 100 robotaxis.
Commercial management splits responsibilities between technology providers and licensed fleet operators. Apollo Go and WeRide control the autonomous driving systems. Tawasul Transport and Dubai Taxi Company handle local fleet operations under RTA supervision.
Dubai targets 25 per cent autonomous journeys
Dubai's Self-Driving Transport Strategy aims for autonomous travel to make up 25 per cent of all journeys by 2030. RTA plans to expand the taxi fleet step by step as demand and operating performance grow.
The strategy covers several transport modes, not just taxis. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, said licensing, infrastructure and operating rules are key deployment needs in April 2025.
Dubai's population passed four million residents by December 2025, which is increasing demand for taxis, public transport and app-based mobility.
Free public rides give passengers direct access to fully autonomous service in a controlled operating area. Published capacity plans place 100 vehicles in the first phase and up to 1,000 Apollo Go units within three years. Coverage will grow based on demand, service quality and regulatory readiness.
Read More: There's a New Way to Book Taxis In Abu Dhabi
AI contributed to the creation of this article.