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Self-driving taxis are to hit Dubai roads next year

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Self-driving taxis

Dubai is gearing up to introduce self-driving taxis by 2026 as part of its ambitious push towards autonomous mobility.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its partnerships with leading autonomous driving technology providers, including Uber Technologies, WeRide, and China’s Baidu, through its Apollo Go mobility arm. The autonomous taxis will be available via the Uber platform.

“These partnerships mark a major milestone in Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 per cent of all city trips autonomous by 2030,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the RTA Board.

Dubai’s Vision for Smart Mobility

This initiative is part of RTA’s broader strategy to position Dubai as a global leader in autonomous transport, reinforcing its vision to become the smartest city in the world.

According to Al Tayer, self-driving taxis will enhance public transport integration, improving first and last-mile connectivity for commuters and making travel across Dubai more seamless.

Apollo Go: The World’s Largest Driverless Fleet

One of RTA’s key partners, Apollo Go, has already achieved significant milestones in autonomous mobility:
150 million km of safe autonomous driving
10+ million autonomous rides completed across 10 Chinese cities
Fully driverless operations launched since February 2024
RT6 Robotaxi, designed for ride-hailing, has been widely adopted by passengers

With Dubai’s push towards AI-driven transport, autonomous taxis are set to transform the way residents and visitors move around the city—ushering in a new era of driverless mobility.

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.

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Dubai e-scooter fine: Dh200 penalty for riding on jogging and sports tracks, warns police

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E-scooter riders in Dubai face a Dh200 fine for using jogging and sports tracks, according to a renewed safety warning from Dubai Police. Authorities stressed that sports and pedestrian-only tracks are strictly prohibited for motorised micromobility devices.

The reminder forms part of ongoing road safety campaigns aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring safe shared spaces across the emirate.

Fines for riding on sports and pedestrian tracks

Under Dubai’s e-scooter regulations, riding on jogging paths or pedestrian walkways carries a Dh200 penalty. Officials also warned that reckless riding or operating in unauthorised areas may result in confiscation of the e-scooter.

Dubai Police urged riders to follow lane discipline and remain within approved tracks.

Where e-scooters are allowed

Dubai has expanded its micromobility infrastructure, with dedicated cycling and e-scooter lanes across areas such as:

  • Hatta
  • Dubai Marina
  • Jumeirah

Riders must use designated paths marked for e-scooters or shared cycling lanes only.

E-scooter rules you must know

Regulations set by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in coordination with Dubai Police, include:

  • Minimum age of 16 years
  • Mandatory helmet
  • Valid UAE driving licence or free RTA e-scooter permit
  • Strict use of approved tracks only

Authorities reiterated that the fines aim to promote responsible riding and strengthen road safety across Dubai.

Residents can report violations through the Dubai Police app’s Police Eye feature or by calling 901.

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UAE Ramadan 2026: Get your car renewal inspection done at home for only Dh300

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Motorists in Sharjah can now renew their vehicle inspection without leaving home this Ramadan, as Rafid Vehicle Solutions has introduced a doorstep vehicle renewal inspection service.

The initiative aims to simplify the inspection process and provide a more convenient experience for customers across the emirate during the holy month.

How the service works

Residents can book a vehicle renewal inspection appointment directly through the Rafid app.

Once the booking is confirmed, Rafid’s team will:

  • Collect the vehicle from the customer’s location
  • Transport it to the inspection centre in Al Azra
  • Complete the renewal inspection
  • Return the vehicle to the customer after the process is finished

To use the service, customers must:

  • Share their live geographical location via the app
  • Ensure vehicle and owner details are accurate
  • Book the appointment at least one day in advance

Service timings

The service operates throughout Ramadan during the following hours:

  • Saturday to Thursday: 9:00am to 3:00pm
  • Friday: 8:00am to 12:00pm

Cost and Contact Details

The service costs Dh300, which includes both transportation and the renewal inspection.

For inquiries or additional information, customers can contact Rafid through its official channels or call 80092.

Rafid Vehicle Solutions is affiliated with Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Sharjah government.

The new Ramadan service is designed to enhance customer convenience, allowing residents to complete essential vehicle procedures smoothly while observing the Holy Month.


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Education

UAE announces academic calendar 2026–2029: Here are the full school start dates and break schedule

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The Ministry of Education has approved the academic calendar for the next three years, covering 2026 to 2029, for public and private schools across the UAE.

The move is aimed at strengthening stability within the education system and enabling students, parents and educators to plan well in advance.

According to the Ministry, the three-year framework balances instructional time with quality learning outcomes, while taking educational and social considerations into account.

2026–2027 Academic Year

  • Start date: August 31, 2026
  • End date: July 2, 2027

Breaks:

  • Mid-term break: October 12–18, 2026
  • Winter break: December 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
  • Spring break: April 5–11, 2027

2027–2028 Academic Year

  • Start date: August 30, 2027
  • End date: June 30, 2028

Breaks:

  • Mid-term break: October 11–17, 2027
  • Winter break: December 13, 2027 – January 2, 2028
  • Spring break: March 27 – April 2, 2028

2028–2029 Academic Year

  • Start date: August 28, 2028
  • End date: June 29, 2029

Breaks:

  • Mid-term break: October 16–22, 2028
  • Winter break: December 11, 2028 – January 1, 2029
  • Spring break: March 26 – April 1, 2029

Important guidelines

All schools are required to adhere to the approved mid-term break schedule. However, local education authorities may permit private schools that do not follow the Ministry’s curriculum to split the mid-term break between October and February, provided it does not exceed five school days and aligns with operational needs.

This exception does not apply to private schools in Sharjah, which follow the emirate’s own regulatory framework.

The Ministry also emphasised that all schools must ensure students attend through the final week of each term, during which assessments and curriculum requirements will be completed.

Notably, the calendar does not apply to private schools following the Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani curricula.

Why the three-year plan matters

The Ministry said the extended academic outlook is designed to enhance readiness, improve long-term resource planning, and provide greater clarity for families across the UAE.

By confirming start and end dates well in advance, authorities aim to support schools as key pillars in preparing future generations, while giving parents more certainty for travel, enrolment and academic planning decisions.


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