Dubai’s Driverless Taxi Service Launches in March 202: Step Into the Future

Imagine this: You open the Uber app in Dubai, tap “Autonomous”, and a sleek self-driving car arrives in minutes. No driver, no small talk, just a smooth, safe ride through the city. It’s happening in March 2026 in Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, already took the first ride and said, “This is only the beginning of our journey to the future. The best is yet to come for Dubai.” Hands off. Future on!

What Is Dubai’s Driverless Taxi Service

These are fully autonomous taxis (also called robotaxis) that drive themselves using smart AI, cameras, sensors, and radar. The main partner is Baidu’s Apollo Go with their advanced RT6 vehicles. 

Uber integrates them into its app, so booking feels exactly like a normal Uber ride. Pony.ai is also joining the fleet. The first 100 taxis hit the roads in March 2026. This is Phase 1 of Dubai’s big plan to make 25% of all trips driverless by 2030.

When and Where Can You Ride

• Start date: March 2026 (public service begins)
• First areas: Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, and nearby spots
• How it grows: More areas across Dubai will open soon, based on how well it runs

How to Book Your First Driverless Taxi

1. Open the Uber app (IOS | Android).
2. Set your pickup in Jumeirah or the allowed zones.
3. Choose UberX or Comfort, or directly select the “Autonomous” option.
4. The app will match you with a driverless Apollo Go taxi.
5. Hop in, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Why Everyone in the UAE Is Excited

It makes life better for everyone living or visiting Dubai:

• Much safer rides: Over 90% of accidents happen because of human mistakes. These cars never get tired, distracted, or angry in traffic.
• Always available: 24/7 service, perfect for late-night airport runs or early morning meetings.
• Less traffic and cleaner air: Smoother driving means fewer jams and lower emissions.
• Great for everyone: Easy for seniors, people with disabilities, families, and tourists who don’t want to drive.
• Saves time and money: Dubai’s own studies show driverless transport can cut costs, boost productivity, and even bring in billions in economic benefits.

Traditional Taxi vs Driverless Taxi

Future Plans

• Fleet will grow to 1,000+ taxis in the next few years
• Service will cover the whole of Dubai
• Long-term goal: 4,000 driverless taxis on the roads
• This is just the start, air taxis and more smart transport are also coming in 2026.

FAQs

Q1: When exactly does it start?

Public rides begin in March 2026. Trials are already successful.

Q2: Is it safe?

Yes! Strict RTA safety rules, advanced sensors, and years of testing. Sheikh Hamdan rode it himself.

Q3: How much does it cost?

Same as normal UberX or Comfort rides in the same area. No extra charge for autonomous.

Q4: Can tourists use it?

Absolutely! Anyone with the Uber app can book it, great for visitors exploring Dubai.

Q5: What if something goes wrong?

Remote operators watch every car 24/7. You can talk to support through the app anytime.

Q6: Will it work in the rain or at night?

Yes, the cars are built for Dubai weather and can be driven day and night.

Q7: Do I need a special app?

No, just the normal Uber app you already use.

Q8: Is this only in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, too?

It starts in Dubai first. Abu Dhabi has its own plans, but this is Dubai’s big launch.