Dubai plans self-driving taxis launch by 2026

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to launch fully autonomous taxis by 2026, marking a significant step in the emirate's push towards integrating autonomous transport solutions. The initiative is part of a strategic partnership with Uber, Baidu, and WeRide, with pilot operations set to commence this year involving a safety driver. RTA aims for 25% of all transportation trips in Dubai to be completed using autonomous vehicles by 2030. Baidu plans to deploy 1,000 robotaxis in Dubai by 2028, with the first 100 expected on the roads by the end of 2025. This development aligns with Dubai's ambition to become the world's smartest city and enhance road safety and connectivity for its residents. The overall goal is to revolutionize the transportation landscape in Dubai, significantly reducing human error-related accidents.