Dubai is set to take a major step in its transformation into a smart city by launching a fleet of autonomous taxis in 2026. This ambitious initiative aims to significantly reduce road accidents—over 90% of which are attributed to human error—and to position Dubai as a global leader in smart mobility.
An Ambitious Strategy for a Smart City
The launch of autonomous taxis is part of Dubai’s Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of urban trips into autonomous modes by 2030. Currently, around 9.4% of transportation is already autonomous, showing notable progress toward this goal.
This strategy is built on four fundamental pillars: people, technology, legislative structure, and infrastructure. It aims to reduce transportation costs by 44%, cut environmental pollution by 12%, and improve the efficiency of the transportation sector, generating estimated annual economic returns of AED 22 billion.
Cutting-Edge Technology Partnerships
To bring this vision to life, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has established strategic partnerships with global leaders in autonomous technology. Notably, collaborations have been initiated with Uber, via its WeRide platform, and with Chinese tech giant Baidu, through its Apollo Go service. These partnerships will allow for the gradual deployment of autonomous taxis, with trials scheduled for 2025 and commercial service starting in 2026.
In addition, the U.S. company Cruise, backed by General Motors, has begun mapping key areas of Dubai, such as Jumeirah 1, in preparation for the launch of its services. Dubai will thus become the first city outside the United States to commercialize Cruise’s autonomous vehicles.
Road Safety and Accident Reduction
One of the main expected benefits of introducing autonomous taxis is improved road safety. By eliminating the human factor—responsible for more than 90% of accidents—these vehicles are expected to significantly reduce the number of collisions, save lives, and lower the costs associated with accidents.
Accessibility and Urban Integration
Autonomous taxis will offer a mobility solution accessible to a large segment of the population, including the elderly and people with reduced mobility. Integrated into existing platforms such as Uber, these vehicles will make first- and last-mile travel easier, thereby strengthening connectivity with other modes of public transportation.
Towards Sustainable and Efficient Mobility
Beyond safety benefits, autonomous taxis will lead to a 12% reduction in environmental pollution and annual savings of AED 1.5 billion thanks to lower pollutant emissions. The overall improvement in the efficiency of the transport sector is expected to generate estimated annual economic returns of AED 18 billion.
Conclusion
The deployment of autonomous taxis in Dubai in 2026 marks a decisive step toward realizing the city’s vision as a global leader in smart mobility. By combining cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability, Dubai is set to radically transform its urban landscape and set new standards for the future of transportation.
