Dubai rolls out free driverless taxi rides in Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah

DUBAI — Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has opened public bookings for its autonomous taxi service in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, giving residents access to free driverless rides as the city expands its smart mobility network.

The service is being run with Apollo Go and autonomous driving technology company WeRide. Passengers can request a ride through the Uber and Apollo Go apps.

The RTA said on social media that the service is now open to the public and that rides are free for the time being. The launch follows earlier plans to bring autonomous taxis into commercial use across the emirate.

Dubai began the first phase of its autonomous taxi rollout earlier this year with 100 driverless vehicles entering the transport system. Officials have said the fleet will grow gradually based on demand and wider adoption of smart transport services.

The move supports Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to increase the share of autonomous trips across the city and reinforce Dubai’s role as a testbed for next-generation mobility.

For residents and visitors in the UAE, the launch offers an early look at how driverless transport may become part of daily travel in the years ahead. The RTA said the program is backed by advanced infrastructure and a regulatory framework designed to support autonomous operations.

Further expansion of the service is expected as Dubai continues testing and scaling its self-driving transport network.

Hot this week

Sundays are now passport day: what UAE’s Indian residents need to know 

 For years, picking up a passport meant a weekday...

Indian passport opens easy entry to 70 destinations

NEW DELHI, INDIA, September 15, 2026: Indian passport holders...

Emirates NBD offers AED10m prize in savings draw

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 15, 2026: Emirates NBD...

Emirates adds UAE’s Jaywan cards to payment options

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 15, 2026: Emirates will...

Sharjah publishers conference focuses on AI, global partnerships and future of books

Opening the conference, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the SBA, called for greater international cooperation to help the publishing industry navigate technological and commercial challenges.

From cockpit to palace: Captain Smit Machchhar’s extraordinary month

Four weeks after surviving a brutal attack by his co-pilot aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, the Indian pilot has received one of the UAE’s highest civilian honours, spoken publicly about his ordeal and become the subject of a debate extending far beyond aviation. Jessica Roberts narrates

Sharjah ruler announces women’s tower in Kalba, recalls his first day at school

Work has begun on a women’s tower near the University of Kalba, backed by a large new public park.

SEWA builds 15 power substations, commissions two new facilities

SHARJAH: Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) announced...

L&T Showcases Renewable Energy, Power T&D and Digital Grid Solutions at WETEX 2026

DUBAI: Larsen & Toubro (L&T), an Indian multinational operating...

A Phone in Hand, a Customs Bill at Cochin

A duty demand on a phone already in use raises a wider question: can Customs enforce the rules without treating every returning expatriate as a suspect? Neha Kiran writes

Kerala CM Satheesan among guests at Sharjah Book Fair

SHARJAH: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will be among...

Mohamed bin Zayed, Singapore PM Wong launch CEPA talks

ABU DHABI: The UAE and Singapore have launched negotiations...

Related Articles

Popular Categories