As the global race toward autonomous transportation accelerates, Dubai is swiftly strengthening its position as a leader in smart mobility. The emirate is embracing advanced technologies to create safer, more sustainable, and efficient transportation options, highlighting its ambition to become one of the world’s smartest cities.

On Sunday, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a new partnership with ride-hailing giant Uber and autonomous vehicle developer WeRide to introduce self-driving vehicles in the emirate.

وقعت #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات مذكرة تفاهم مع شركة أوبر تكنولوجيز Uber Technologies, Inc (NYSE:UBER)، أكبر منصة تقنية للتنقل والتوصيل في العالم، وشركة WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD)، الرائدة عالمياً في تكنولوجيا القيادة الذاتية، يتم بموجبها بدء التجارب التشغيلية لمركبات ذاتية القيادة، التي… pic.twitter.com/hKf3GOdprd

— RTA (@rta_dubai) June 15, 2025

According to the Dubai Media Office, pilot operations, with safety drivers on board, will begin via the Uber app by the end of 2025, with a full commercial rollout scheduled for 2026.

In October 2023, Dubai began supervised testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads after US-based Cruise, backed by General Motors and Honda, received a trial permit. The move is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to integrate emerging technologies into its transportation network.

The UAE remains committed to becoming a global leader in smart mobility by championing sustainability and embracing innovative technologies. In October 2023, Dubai began supervised testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads after US-based Cruise—backed by General Motors and Honda—was granted a trial permit.

In December, Uber and China’s WeRide launched the Middle East’s first commercial driverless mobility service in Abu Dhabi. The emirate also operates its own fleet of autonomous taxis on Yas Island through TXAI, the country’s first driverless taxi service.