Abu Dhabi just hit a global first. WeRide and Uber have rolled out Level 4 fully driverless robotaxi services in the emirate, marking the Middle East’s first commercial deployment of fully autonomous taxis – and the first city outside the US to do so on the Uber platform.

Thanks to a city-level driverless robotaxi permit, passengers can now catch a ride on Yas Island without a human behind the wheel. Robotaxis can be booked through Uber Comfort or UberX, or via the new Autonomous category, Uber’s first dedicated self-driving ride option worldwide.

The move is part of a broader push to expand autonomous mobility in the UAE. WeRide has been testing robotaxis in Abu Dhabi since 2021 and holds a national license for self-driving vehicles, making the UAE a global leader in autonomous tech. By the end of 2025, services are set to cover even more areas in Abu Dhabi’s city core.

The launch also paves the way for scaling: WeRide and Uber plan to expand to thousands of robotaxis across the region in the coming years, leveraging their first-mover advantage and ongoing operational improvements.

For riders, it’s a glimpse of the future, where a ride on Yas Island means booking a taxi, stepping in, and trusting the car to take you to your destination without a driver in sight.

Motorists in Dubai are set to enjoy three days of free public parking over the upcoming Eid Al Etihad break.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed on Thursday that all public parking will be free on Sunday, November 30, as well as Monday and Tuesday (December 1 and 2) for the National Day holidays. Parking fees will resume as normal on Wednesday, December 3.

RTA has also released the full list of service timings for the National Day break, covering everything from metro and tram hours to bus schedules, and Customer Happiness Centres.

Customer Happiness Centres
All centres will be closed on Monday and Tuesday (December 1–2). But if you need help, the Smart Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Twar, and the RTA Head Office will stay open 24/7, offering round-the-clock digital services.

Service Provider Centres will also close on December 1–2 and reopen on Wednesday, December 3.

Dubai Metro operating hours:

Saturday, Nov 29 — 5:00am to 1:00am
Sunday, Nov 30 — 8:00am to 1:00am
Mon–Tue, Dec 1–2 — 5:00am to 1:00am

Dubai Tram operating hours:

Saturday, Nov 29 — 6:00am to 1:00am
Sunday, Nov 30 — 9:00am to 1:00am
Mon–Tue, Dec 1–2 — 6:00am to 1:00am

RTA buses:

Riders should check the S’hail app for updated Dubai Bus schedules during the holiday on December 1–2.

Parking Exceptions:

Public parking will be free on Monday and Tuesday (Dec 1–2) except multi-storey car parks and Al Khail Gate N-365.

The long weekend is expected to be busy across the city, with RTA set to share more detailed updates for public transport and marine services. Residents are encouraged to plan their trips early and enjoy the National Day celebrations across Dubai.

Umm Al Quwain Police have rolled out a 40 per cent discount on traffic fines ahead of the UAE’s 54th National Day, allowing motorists to clear outstanding violations at a reduced cost.

The initiative, announced by the Umm Al Quwain Police General Headquarters, is part of efforts to ease financial burdens on residents and strengthen community engagement during the Union Day celebrations.

Eligibility

The discount applies to all traffic violations committed in Umm Al Quwain before December 1, 2025, except aggravated offences, which remain excluded from the scheme.

Validity period

Motorists can take advantage of the reduced rates from December 1 until January 9, 2026.

Authorities urged drivers to make use of the limited-time window and update their records as the emirate joins the nation in marking the 54th UAE National Day.

Sharjah offers black-points waiver

Sharjah Police have rolled out a special initiative for Eid Al Etihad, giving motorists a rare chance to wipe their traffic black points clean.

Brigadier Khalid Mohammed Al Kay, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Sharjah Police, said that drivers can have all black points removed from their record simply by settling their outstanding traffic fines during the offer period.

The initiative runs from 1 December 1 2025 to 10 January 2026, offering residents more than five weeks to clear dues and reset their driving record.