The wait is finally over for Dubai’s residents. On February 5, 2026, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, marked a historic milestone by taking an official ride in a Dubai driverless taxi to attend the World Governments Summit at Madinat Jumeirah. Specifically, this ride signals the transition from testing to official public operations, which are set to begin in March 2026. Consequently, Dubai is now positioned as the first city in the region to integrate a fully autonomous, commercial robotaxi fleet into its daily public transport network.
The Fleet: 100 Baidu Apollo Go RT6 Vehicles
At the heart of this launch is the 6th-generation RT6 vehicle, developed by Baidu Apollo Go in partnership with the RTA. Notably, the Dubai driverless taxi is equipped with over 40 advanced sensors, including high-precision LiDAR, multi-band radars, and 360-degree cameras. Indeed, this technology allows the vehicle to “see” and respond to complex traffic situations in real-time. Furthermore, with the opening of the new 2,000sqm Operations and Control Centre in Dubai Science Park, the RTA can now monitor every vehicle’s performance and safety around the clock.
[Image Suggestion: Sheikh Hamdan inside the Baidu RT6 taxi with the “WGS 2026” branding in the background]
Where Can You Catch a Ride? (Phase 1 Areas)
Starting March 2026, the service will rollout across 65 key locations in Dubai. As a result, commuters in high-traffic zones will be the first to experience the “no-driver” convenience.
| Launch Zone | Key Locations Covered |
| Zone One (Premium) | Jumeirah 1, Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown Dubai |
| Zone Two (Tech & Business) | Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Science Park, Al Quoz |
| Expansion Phase | Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Festival City |
How to Book Your Driverless Taxi
Booking a Dubai driverless taxi will be as simple as ordering a standard ride. Notably, users will be able to hail these vehicles through the Apollo Go app and eventually through the Uber platform, following the RTA’s strategic partnership with global mobility firms. Moreover, the service is fully integrated with Dubai’s existing infrastructure, meaning you can pay for your journey using your Nol card. Therefore, it provides a seamless transition for those already using the Metro or Tram.
Safety and Regulations
Many residents ask, “Is it safe?” In fact, these vehicles have already completed over 150 million kilometers of safe driving globally. Additionally, the UAE has established a robust legislative framework specifically for autonomous vehicles, ensuring they comply with all local traffic laws. Notably, even though they are driverless each taxi is connected to the central command hub for emergency intervention if needed.
Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Move
In conclusion, the Dubai driverless taxi launch in March 2026 is a massive leap toward the “Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy” target of 25% autonomous trips by 2030. By choosing these AI-powered vehicles, Dubai is reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and offering a safer commute for everyone. Stay tuned as the RTA prepares to open bookings for the first 100 taxis next month!
