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.

The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) has issued a warning over a growing number of scams involving fake QR codes, especially those sent through email.

According to the authority, cybercriminals are exploiting how quickly information spreads by sharing QR codes that appear to offer urgent updates or important services. However, scanning these codes can expose users to serious risks.

DESC explained that such QR codes may install malware on devices or redirect users to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

How to protect your device

Residents are being urged to stay cautious by verifying the source of any email before scanning QR codes, avoiding suspicious messages, and never entering sensitive details on untrusted links.

To boost online safety, DESC also recommends using the RZAM app, which provides real-time alerts about unsafe websites and allows users to scan links before opening them.

Dubai Police has launched a wide-ranging initiative aimed at combating fraud and raising public awareness, in collaboration with more than 40 government, semi-government, and private sector organisations.

The campaign, led by the Criminal Investigation Department, focuses on educating residents about common scams, particularly those carried out by phone calls and online platforms to steal money or sensitive banking information.

Officials said the initiative is designed to improve public understanding of how fraud schemes operate and how to report them, targeting employees, families, and the broader community.

Authorities have strongly warned residents not to share personal or financial information with unknown callers, stressing that no legitimate government entity or financial institution would request such details over the phone.

They added that many scams are highly sophisticated and rely on a lack of awareness among victims.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected fraud through official channels, including the Dubai Police app, by calling 901, via the eCrime platform, or through the “Police Eye” service.

Authorities also advised individuals who believe they may have been targeted to immediately contact their bank to block any suspicious transactions before reporting the incident.

Saeed Al Hajri, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, said the initiative reflects Dubai Police’s continued commitment to strengthening public awareness around fraud. He noted that the campaign aligns with the “Year of the Family,” reinforcing the importance of awareness as the first line of defence against financial crimes.