Autonomous taxis are here. Autogo, a UAE-based mobility company, has kicked off trials for its RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi, with full-scale operations set to launch by 2026.

This futuristic ride-hailing service is powered by Apollo Go, the self-driving arm of Chinese tech giant Baidu, bringing cutting-edge AI technology straight to the streets of the UAE capital.

The trials, conducted in coordination with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), aim to ensure the autonomous cabs meet safety regulations and blend seamlessly into the city’s traffic network.

So, what’s the big deal? RoboTaxis promise safer, smarter, and greener rides. These electric, AI-driven vehicles navigate the roads with precision and real-time responsiveness, aiming to reduce human error and traffic congestion.

The 6th generation RT6 RoboTaxi — specially designed for driverless ride-hailing — boasts a sleek, comfortable design while being fully electric. Meanwhile, Apollo Go, already a major player in China’s autonomous driving scene, has clocked up over 150 million kilometres in self-driving experience.

Kintsugi Holding’s Managing Director, Sean Teo, called the launch a “game-changer for urban mobility”, emphasising its role in boosting road safety and sustainability.

With millions of autonomous rides already completed worldwide, Abu Dhabi is gearing up for a transportation revolution.

(Source: Wam)

Abu Dhabi is taking a major step toward the future of transportation by expanding its autonomous vehicle services to new areas, including key routes to and from Zayed International Airport.

Abu Dhabi Mobility, in collaboration with Space 42 and Uber, is rolling out driverless ride services as part of its ambitious plan to enhance smart mobility across the emirate. Following the successful completion of over 30,000 trips covering more than 430,000 kilometers, the initiative is now set to extend beyond Yas and Saadiyat Islands, where the first two phases were conducted.

Passengers can now easily book an autonomous taxi to and from Zayed International Airport using TXAI or Uber mobile applications. The move marks a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s vision for a sustainable and technology-driven transport system.

Advancing Smart Mobility

The expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader goals for the smart transport sector, aiming to integrate cutting-edge technologies into daily mobility solutions. Authorities have set ambitious targets for 2040, including increasing the share of trips made via autonomous vehicles to 25% of total trips, reducing carbon emissions by 15%, and cutting road accidents by 18%.

Dr. Abdulla Al Ghafli, acting director-general of the Integrated Transport Centre, emphasized the importance of this development. He further stated that adopting the latest technologies will ensure the reliable and secure operation of these vehicles.

Safety and Compliance

Since the initial rollout, there have been no recorded incidents involving these vehicles, reinforcing the credibility of this futuristic mobility solution. Authorities remain committed to regulatory oversight, ensuring full compliance with traffic laws and enhancing operational safety.

Future Vision

As driverless rides become more accessible across the city, residents and visitors can look forward to a seamless, efficient, and environmentally friendly travel experience, ushering in a new era of intelligent urban mobility in the UAE’s capital.

(Source: Wam)

Motorists across the UAE could soon find some relief at the fuel pumps, as petrol prices are expected to decrease in April 2025. While the official announcement is yet to be made, market trends and expert predictions suggest that global crude oil prices may drive a slight reduction in fuel costs for the upcoming month.

Expert Predictions for April 2025

While it is too early to confirm exact figures, financial analysts speculate that the price of Super 98 petrol, currently at Dhs2.73 per litre, may fall by 5 to 10 fils. Similarly, Special 95 petrol, priced at Dhs2.61 per litre, could also witness a marginal decline. Diesel prices, which have been fluctuating over the past months, may either remain stable or see a slight reduction.

However, some analysts caution that any price drop may be short-lived if global oil markets rebound in the coming months. Ongoing economic recoveries in major economies, along with any new supply restrictions by oil-exporting countries, could influence price adjustments.

Why Petrol Prices Might Drop

The primary factor influencing a potential decline in petrol prices is the recent downward trend in global crude oil prices. Brent crude, a key benchmark for the region, has seen an 8% drop in the first quarter of 2025 due to fluctuating global demand, increased oil production from non-OPEC countries, and easing geopolitical tensions.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering lowering its crude oil prices for Asian markets in April, reflecting a broader trend of price adjustments in the region. Since the UAE aligns its fuel pricing with international market trends, there is a strong possibility that motorists could see a slight dip in per-litre costs next month.

When Will the New Prices Be Announced?

The UAE Fuel Price Committee typically announces fuel prices for the upcoming month on the last day of the month. Therefore, the official petrol and diesel prices for April are expected to be confirmed on March 31.

Until then, motorists and businesses that rely on fuel should stay updated on market trends.