June 17, 2025 | Dubai, UAE – In a bold leap towards the future, Dubai’s RTA (Roads & Transport Authority) partners with the global taxi service tycoon Uber and the autonomous tech company WeRide to launch Driverless Taxi Dubai operations in 2025. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) calls to begin the pilot operation of the cars by the end of 2025, and marks the first milestone in progressive collaboration.

Expected Timeline of Launch & MoU Signing Ceremony

While the full commercial rollout is expected in 2026, the initial phase of Driverless Taxi Dubai services will include safety drivers and can be accessed via Uber. This aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision to have 4,000 Driverless Taxi Dubai units and 25% of the transportation trips to be fully automated. Remarkably, it places Dubai as a global, innovative leader in the field of tech-regulated, Driverless Taxi Dubai systems.

The MoU was signed on June 16, 2025, by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency on behalf of RTA, Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager in the Middle East of Uber, and Eric Dong, the Director of Capital Market and Corporate Development as representative of WeRide.

The signing ceremony was witnessed formally by the senior representatives of all three organisations, as a display of the deepening tech ties for this revolutionary innovation. While WeRide provides the software and systems for Driverless Taxi Dubai, Uber will be responsible for dispatch, customer experiences, and seamless integration of the automated taxis. Notably, RTA is providing supervision and ensuring the project’s adherence to the regulatory guidelines of Dubai. RTA also aims to enhance public transport connectivity and overall road safety, where Uber and WeRide join forces to ensure a seamless transition from manual cars to Driverless Taxi Dubai operations on the roads.

Global Push to Automated Mobility and Driverless Commute

The collaboration is a major founding step for Dubai’s Smart Mobility Strategy, mentions His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA. Smart Mobility Strategy is a comprehensive plan to transform all transportation by integrating smart technologies, autonomous vehicles, and sustainable practices to improve efficiency and the overall quality of life.

While one key goal is to have 25% of all transportation trips managed by Driverless Taxi Dubai services by 2030, other aspects also include traffic management, sustainable commute and economic growth. With the Driverless Taxi Dubai development underway, Dubai plans ahead for many more such innovations like Autonomous Air Taxis (AATs), Smart Parking, and Hyperloops. The vision is to reduce traffic accidents and losses by 12%, and see a 13% increase in the productivity of individuals.

The partnership between Uber and WeRide, facilitated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), signifies a global movement towards incorporating Driverless Taxi Dubai technology into urban transportation systems, positioning the city as a pioneer for next-generation mobility. Both companies display strong support of the idea.

The statement given by Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager, MEA at Uber, was: “At Uber, we are building the future of transportation, one we see as autonomous, electric, and shared.” He also shared the thrill of their strategic partnership with RTA and having WeRide as their first technology partner to launch and expand Driverless Taxi Dubai commuting. WeRide also shares similar sentiments, with Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International, stating the formal collaboration with Uber and complete support of Dubai Government’s ambitious vision of Smart Mobility with Driverless Taxi Dubai as the leading innovation. She also said, “We are accelerating our international expansion, with the Middle East as a strategic priority.”

Impact on Tourists and Residents in Dubai

Dubai’s plan of releasing Driverless Taxi Dubai fleets into the public transportation system is aimed at enhancing the ease and efficiency of the people. Below are the following impacts considered by the launch of autonomous transportation:

Dubai sees a heavy influx of tourists yearly. The ease of Driverless Taxi Dubai commute will enhance their experience significantly.

Self-automated taxis are expected to be highly cost-efficient and more accessible and affordable for the residents and tourists alike.

Features such as smart parking, automatic cruise control, and advanced navigation systems will reduce driving stress on individuals.

The signing of the MoU marks a major step in turning Dubai’s Smart Mobility Strategy into reality. With pilot operations of Driverless Taxi Dubai systems set to begin soon, the launch will not only reshape urban transport but also pave the way for future innovations in smart mobility.