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RoboTaxis Hit Dubai Roads On Select Streets For Trials Ahead Of Its 2026 Launch

As revealed by the Dubai RTA, pilot tests for these driverless taxis are already underway.

by Anupriya Mishra
RoboTaxis Hit Dubai Roads On Select Streets For Trials Ahead Of Its 2026 Launch

It’s hardly a secret that RoboTaxis or driverless taxis will be introduced officially on the road in the first quarter of 2026. However, you must not be surprised if you find them on the roads even now! Yes, as revealed by the top official of Dubai RTA, pilot tests have already begun, and RoboTaxis are already operating on the road in some areas for initial trials.

Pilot Tests Of RoboTaxis Underway

As revealed by the Dubai RTA, pilot tests for these driverless taxis are already underway. This is happening in select parts of the city, including Jumeirah. As revealed in a report by the Gulf News, the development comes after Dubai RTA has signed up with several autonomous vehicle companies to introduce this driverless taxi service to the city. With the aim of introducing this service in Dubai by the first quarter of 2026, pilot tests have already begun. This was revealed during the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport.

Certain Areas Are Already Seeing Them Operate

During the ongoing event, it was also revealed that pilot tests have been taking place on closed and open roads. This is in Dubai Silicon Oasis, and all three companies are completing their initial trials. The open road testing was conducted after Dubai RTA had issued trial permits, and out of the three companies, Baidu and WeRide have completed the test. They are now even starting to operate in certain areas for open road testing, which is happening with safety drivers, of course.

Also Read: Dubai’s New Self-Driving Zone To Cover 15 Km For Land & Water Travel, And It Includes The Areas Of…

More From The Dubai World Congress And Challenge For Self-Driving Transport

At the moment, the report revealed that there are 60 vehicles that are involved in testing. Out of these, 50 are by Baidu and 10 are by WeRide. In fact, not just that, but select attendees were also given a ride in the RoboTaxi by Baidu. After this, they gave their feedback.

All of these developments took place during the Dubai World Congress and Challenge for Self-Driving Transport. This is a two-day event that was even attended by the Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The fourth edition of the event showcased the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2025-2040, bringing more than 3,000 participants from around the world, there were over 80 speakers.

So, with these important developments taking place, it was truly a hotbed of revelations in the self-driving industry.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/DXBMediaOffice

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First Published: September 25, 2025 3:04 PM