Sci-fi is officially reality in Dubai. The RTA has launched its fleet of 100 autonomous taxis, now roaming the streets of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.

How to book your ride

Dubai has partnered with global tech giants Apollo Go (Baidu) and WeRide to make booking as easy as ordering a pizza. You can find them on:

• The Uber App: WeRide vehicles are integrated directly into the Uber platform.
• The Apollo Go App: Operated in cooperation with the Dubai Taxi Company.

Where can you ride?

Currently, the service is focused on two of Dubai’s most iconic coastal districts:

• Jumeirah
• Umm Suqeim

How safe are autonomous cabs?

Before hitting the road, these vehicles underwent “extensive testing” to navigate real-world traffic.

• The Tech: They use AI, advanced sensors, and HD digital mapping.
• The Smart City: The taxis are designed to process data in real-time, handling intersections, traffic signals, and pedestrians without a human behind the wheel.

This rollout is part of Dubai’s long-term goal to lead the world in self-driving transport. If you’re in Jumeirah, your next Uber might just be a robot.

The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has proposed making membership mandatory for all 12 million Pakistanis living abroad, carrying a fee of Rs10,000 (approx. Dh130).

Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of the OPF, said that the proposal has been approved by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and is now awaiting final sign-off from the Prime Minister.

Membership fees

• Cost: Rs10,000 for a 5-year membership.
• Who it affects: All Pakistanis living in the UAE, Gulf, the Middle East, and worldwide.
• The goal is to generate finances that allow the OPF to better serve the diaspora and introduce new welfare facilities.

The move comes as overseas Pakistanis continue to provide a massive boost to the national economy. Remittances are expected to hit an all-time high of $41–42 billion this year.

The OPF is a non-profit designed to resolve challenges for the diaspora. If approved, this nominal fee will create a massive fund aimed at protecting and supporting the millions of workers who keep Pakistan’s economy afloat.

Meanwhile, the Federal Cabinet has officially cleared the way for overseas Pakistanis to import used cars up to three years old. The new rules focus on two main pathways. Gift Scheme – for sending a vehicle to a family member back home, and Transfer of Residence (TR) Scheme – for those moving back to Pakistan permanently.

A three-vehicle collision on Al Khail Road has prompted Dubai Police to warn drivers that stopping in the middle of the road, even for fallen plates, can be a fatal mistake.

The incident

A driver stopped abruptly on Al Khail Road (heading toward Abu Dhabi) to retrieve a fallen license plate. A trailing motorist, failing to pay attention, struck the individual and two other vehicles.

• Casualties: One person sustained serious injuries; two others suffered moderate injuries.
• The Cause: Stopping in a live lane rather than moving to a safe shoulder.

Fines for stopping on the road

Authorities reminded the public that stopping in the middle of the road is a major violation. If you stop due to a breakdown, fuel shortage, or tyre failure, you face:

• Dh1,000 fine and 6 traffic points.
• Dh500 additional penalty for obstructing traffic flow.

What to do if you get stuck

Brigadier Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan advises that if your vehicle cannot be moved off the road, you must:

• Hazard Lights: Switch them on immediately.
• Warning Triangle: Place it at a safe distance behind the car.
• Evacuate: Get yourself and all passengers out of the car and away from the road.
• Call for Help: Contact the police immediately to secure the scene.

No car part or fallen item is worth your life. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before driving, and never prioritise property over personal safety on high-speed roads.