Ever wondered what it’s like to hop into a taxi with no one behind the wheel? In Dubai, that future has officially arrived.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has kicked off commercial operations of autonomous taxis in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of the city’s coastal hotspots. You can now book an auto cab as easily as ordering your usual ride.

Through partnerships with WeRide and Apollo Go, these rides are available via the Uber and Apollo Go apps.

The first phase brings 100 self-driving taxis onto Dubai’s roads, with plans to expand the fleet as more residents warm up to the idea of AI-powered commuting. Behind the scenes, these vehicles rely on a mix of artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and real-time decision-making to safely navigate busy streets, traffic lights, and even unpredictable pedestrians.

And if you’re wondering about safety, these aren’t robots. The technology powering them has already clocked over 150 million kilometres and completed more than 10 million trips worldwide.

So, next time you hail a taxi in Jumeirah, don’t be surprised if the driver’s seat is empty.

Fuel prices in the UAE have jumped sharply for April 2026, leaving drivers to rethink how they commute and manage daily expenses. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s happening and how it affects you:

How big is the increase?

The latest revision by the UAE Fuel Price Committee marks one of the steepest monthly hikes in recent years:

• Petrol prices are up 31% to 34%
• Diesel has surged by over 72%

New rates (from April 1, 2026):

• Super 98: Dh3.39/litre (up from Dh2.59)
• Special 95: Dh3.28/litre (up from Dh2.48)
• E-Plus: Dh3.20/litre (up from Dh2.40)
• Diesel: Dh4.69/litre (up from Dh2.72)

Why are prices rising?

Fuel prices in the UAE have been deregulated since 2015, meaning they follow global oil markets rather than being fixed. Global oil prices have been rising ever since the war broke out on February 28.

• Prices are adjusted monthly
• Based on international crude and refined fuel costs
• Benchmarks like Murban crude oil play a role

When global oil prices climb, local fuel costs follow.

How will motorists be affected?

Drivers are already preparing to adapt in several ways:

1. Higher daily commuting costs
Filling up a tank will now cost significantly more, especially for frequent drivers.

2. Changes in travel habits
Many motorists may:

• Cut down on unnecessary trips
• Combine errands
• Plan routes more efficiently
• Opt for EVs

3. Shift to alternatives
Expect a rise in:

• Public transport use
• Carpooling or ride-sharing
• Remote work requests where possible

4. Increased cost of living
Higher diesel prices will push up:

• Taxi fares
• Home delivery charges
• Goods transportation costs
• Ride-hailing fares

This isn’t just about fuel pumps. The ripple effects will likely be felt across the economy, from groceries to logistics, as businesses pass on increased transport costs to consumers. The April fuel hike is a direct reflection of global oil trends, but for UAE motorists, it means immediate lifestyle adjustments and tighter monthly budgets.

Q Mobility has announced the rollout of a paid parking system in several commercial areas of Mohamed Bin Zayed City, starting April 6.

The initiative is being implemented under the supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre, part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

Where will paid parking apply?

In this phase, the system will cover:

• Commercial sectors ME10 and ME11
• Commercial areas along main streets within villa zones Z17-01, Z19, Z20, and Z27

The move targets areas with high traffic and commercial activity, aiming to improve parking availability and reduce congestion.

What about residential areas?

Parking in nearby villa zones will also be regulated:

• Spaces will be reserved only for permit holders
• Designed to protect residents’ privacy
• Helps prevent misuse of residential parking by visitors

Q Mobility has emphasised that this step is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve parking management and ease traffic flow in Abu Dhabi. 

The plan will:

• Better organise parking in busy districts
• Improve traffic flow
• Ensure fair access to parking for residents and visitors

The rollout is part of broader efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and enhance urban mobility across Abu Dhabi.