Dubai to launch self-driving taxis by 2026 to enhance road safety, connectivity
Soon you will be able to spot self-driving taxis on the roads of Dubai So far, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has broadened its collaboration with autonomous driving technology providers to have these cabs operational in the emirate on 2026.
In Dubai the AVs will be deployed using the Uber platform as part of a partnership with Uber Technologies, WeRide, and China's Baidu through its autonomous mobility division Apollo Go.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said: "These partnerships are an important stride in the implementation of the Self-Driving Transport Strategy in Dubai, which aims to convert 25 per cent of all journeys in the Emirate into autonomous trips across multiple transport modes by 2030."
The low-cost driverless bus project is one of the initiatives that contribute to RTA's effort to position Dubai as a global hub for autonomous mobility and stems from its vision to make the city the smartest and the happiest place on earth to live and work in.
Improving connectivity, minimizing accidents
The introduction of autonomous taxis will contribute to the integration of transport systems to facilitate passenger access between public transport modes, Al Tayer added. He added, “While public transport services primarily cover large areas, the launch of autonomous taxis will give it a boost as they will help in first and last-mile connectivity. This goes in line with the First & Last-Mile Strategy launched by RTA recently to create channels for transporting passengers from their starting to end points to the closest public transport station.
The shift will enhance safety for local drivers on the roads, he said. He also stated that, Autonomous vehicles too result in better road safety since human error is responsible for 90 percent traffic accidents. "In addition, they cater to a broader section of the community — especially the elderly, residents and people of determination."
This year will be the year of trials for the system. Al Tayer said: “This year Uber with WeRide, and Baidu through Apollo Go will initiate the trial of autonomous taxi, with a safety driver behind the wheel, before the driverless commercial launch in 2026, in Dubai.
The widespread deployment of autonomous vehicles will represent a transformational step in the transport ecosystem of Dubai, and will also complement RTA's endeavors to enhance network integration between all modes of transport by facilitating seamless travel for public transport riders.
The announcement of this “ambitious partnership” is, according to Robin Li, Baidu's co-founder and CEO, “Apollo Go’s largest international expansion beyond China to date.” According to Qadir, the company is committed to expanding its market with "safe, sustainable, and efficient services in more regions" with local partners providing transport solutions with tangible benefits for the communities globally. It also showcase Dubai's commitment to establishing itself as an international center for innovation in future mobility.
Apollo Go has safely driven over 150 million kilometres thus far, enabling lower string services with autonomous ride-hailing in 10+ cities in China at scale.
Apollo Go started its fully driverless operation throughout China this February and has recently gathered over 10 million rides in autonomous cars with the company identifying itself as the globe's biggest driverless fleet operator. Nicknamed RT6, the sixth-generation robotaxi designed specifically for autonomous ride-hailing has been broadly embraced and found favor with passengers.
An Uber spokesperson offered the company's "huge excitement" on the developments. Noah Zych, Uber's global head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, said, "It's exciting to partner with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority to bring autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, with our first technology partner WeRide. Topic: Transportation ‘At Uber, we are developing the future of transportation by partnering with the world’s automotive leaders to accelerate and scale self-driving technologies globally.
WeRide's chief financial officer and head of International Business Jennifer Li commented, "Dubai is a natural progression from our mission to advance mobility in the Middle East and our global expansion." We think that our world-leading technology in autonomous cars and excellent experience in operation, combined with Uber's powerful global mobility platform, will soon enable us to provide service to millions of consumers in cities across the globe.
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