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.

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.

In a move to further slash waiting times for motorists, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art vehicle testing and registration centre in Al Qusais.

Operated by Al Mutakamela, the new facility is designed to provide a “qualitative shift” in how residents and businesses handle their annual vehicle inspections and registrations.

High capacity, modern tech

The centre is built to handle heavy daily volume, featuring:

• Seven dedicated lanes for light vehicles.
• One specialised lane for motorcycles.
• The latest automated inspection technologies to ensure every vehicle meets the UAE’s strict safety standards.

Focus on accessibility

The RTA emphasised that the Al Qusais centre has been specifically designed to be inclusive. Dedicated support staff are on hand to assist People of Determination and senior citizens (both Emiratis and residents), ensuring a seamless experience for those who may require extra help navigating the registration process.

Extended operating hours

One of the biggest advantages of the new Al Mutakamela centre is its extended operating schedule, catering to those who cannot visit during standard office hours.

• Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 7:30am – 10:30pm
• Friday: 7am – 12pm (Break for prayers) 3pm – 10:30pm
• Note: The centre is closed on Sundays.

By adding eight new lanes to the local infrastructure, the RTA is significantly reducing the pressure on existing centres in the area, meaning shorter queues and faster “Pass” certificates for thousands of car owners.

Whether you are an individual car owner or a business managing a commercial fleet, the new Al Mutakamela centre offers a high-tech, high-speed solution to your registration needs.