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Dubai maps out 65 locations for first phase of driverless RoboTaxi rollout

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7 months ago

January 9, 2026

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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.

Related Topics:autonomousvehicles DriverlessCars Dubai DubaiRTA publictrasport RoboTaxi SmartCity smartmobility taxi

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

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2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

News

UAE public holiday announced: 3-day weekend coming up on August 28

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Planning your next long weekend? The UAE has confirmed Friday, August 28, as a public holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors.

The holiday commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, an occasion included among the UAE’s official public holidays. As the date follows the Islamic calendar, the timing changes from year to year.

A three-day break for many residents

With the holiday falling on a Friday, employees who follow a Monday-to-Friday working week can enjoy three days off:

Friday, August 28: Public holiday
Saturday, August 29: Weekend
Sunday, August 30: Weekend

That means residents can make the most of the break with a short trip, a staycation or a relaxed weekend at home.

Another UAE holiday is coming

The next major public holiday on the UAE calendar will be Eid Al Etihad, with celebrations and the official holiday scheduled for December 2 and 3.

News

What the UAE’s new vape excise price means for consumers and retailers

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a new rule that sets a minimum excise price for liquids used in electronic smoking devices.

Beginning September 1, vaping liquids will be subject to a minimum excise price of AED 1 per millilitre.

The ministry confirmed that the existing minimum excise prices for cigarettes, water pipe tobacco (shisha), and other tobacco products will remain unchanged.

According to the ministry, the decision aims to improve tax compliance, respond to developments in the tobacco and vaping industry, and create a more consistent pricing framework across tobacco and electronic smoking products.

The UAE will also continue applying its 100% excise tax on all tobacco products covered under the country’s excise tax regulations.