Dubai is moving closer to a driverless future after the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) mapped out 65 locations across the city for the first phase of its autonomous RoboTaxi rollout.
The locations, spread across two operational zones, will serve as the initial areas where driverless taxis begin operating on public roads. According to an RTA presentation, 17 locations fall within Zone One, while 48 are in Zone Two, marking the most extensive approval yet for autonomous taxis in the emirate.
Control centre opens as RoboTaxi plans gather pace
The rollout is tied to Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous taxi programme, following the opening of its Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre at Dubai Science Park, the company’s first such facility outside China.
Fully driverless trials get green light
In a major milestone, RTA has granted Apollo Go Dubai its first permit to conduct fully autonomous vehicle trials without a safety driver behind the wheel. The move clears the way for a commercial autonomous ride-hailing service, which is currently targeted for launch in the first quarter of 2026.
1,000 RoboTaxis planned
The 65 mapped locations will act as the foundation for a much wider expansion. Apollo Go plans to scale its autonomous fleet in Dubai to more than 1,000 vehicles in the coming years, significantly expanding driverless transport options across the city.
What it means for residents
- Driverless taxis are coming closer to daily use: With 65 locations approved, residents may soon start seeing RoboTaxis operating on public roads in familiar neighbourhoods.
- More transport options: RoboTaxis will add another on-demand mobility choice alongside taxis, ride-hailing apps and public transport, especially in busy areas.
- Focus on safety first: The initial rollout is limited to mapped zones and will be closely monitored from a central control centre, with real-time safety oversight.
- Convenience without a driver: Fully autonomous vehicles mean trips without a human driver, offering a new experience in urban travel once commercial services begin.
- Part of a bigger mobility shift: The rollout supports Dubai’s goal of making 25% of all trips autonomous by 2030, which could reduce congestion and improve efficiency over time.
- Gradual expansion: While early operations will be limited to specific areas, the long-term plan includes scaling up to more than 1,000 RoboTaxis across the city.
As trials continue, Dubai is positioning itself at the forefront of smart mobility, bringing driverless taxis closer to everyday life on the city’s streets.
