Dubai Enhances Autonomous Taxi Lineup in Global Effort to Boost Mobility Solutions
In a groundbreaking move, Dubai, the city that never stops innovating, is set to revolutionize its public transport system with the integration of autonomous mobility solutions. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has formed strategic partnerships with several global leaders in autonomous vehicle technology, including Baidu's Apollo Go, Uber Technologies, WeRide, and US-based Joby Aviation.
Baidu's Apollo Go, the largest operator of driverless fleets globally, will commercialize its services in Dubai as part of its biggest international expansion outside China. The initial pilot trials, featuring a safety driver onboard, are expected to begin in 2024, with full public deployment planned for 2026. This initiative marks a major milestone in Dubai's efforts to integrate autonomous mobility into its public transport system.
Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, Noah Zych, underscored the company's excitement about partnering with RTA, noting that this move aligns with Uber's broader goal of scaling autonomous ride-hailing worldwide. The partnership further cements Uber's commitment to expanding autonomous ride-hailing services worldwide.
Meanwhile, Dubai is also pioneering the launch of commercial electric flying taxis by 2026 in partnership with Joby Aviation. Joby Aviation has secured six years of operational rights in Dubai, aiming to integrate electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the city’s infrastructure as a new transport mode.
In addition to these aerial innovations, Dubai's RTA has also partnered with dnata to introduce a fleet of autonomous electric vehicles at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport. This move supports ground handling efficiency and is part of broader automation and autonomous vehicle initiatives within the city.
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer of WeRide, echoed this sentiment, stating that Dubai represents a key market for the company's expansion in the Middle East. The city's goal is to make 25% of all city journeys autonomous by 2030, a target that these partnerships aim to help achieve.
Dr. Wang Yunpeng, Baidu's Corporate Vice President, expressed confidence in Dubai's vision for future mobility, highlighting the city's commitment to innovation and smart transport solutions. The city's autonomous mobility initiatives are attracting global players in the autonomous vehicle industry, furthering Dubai's goal of becoming a global leader in smart mobility and reinforcing its reputation as one of the world's most forward-thinking cities.
As autonomous vehicle trials commence, Dubai continues to solidify its position as a pioneer in smart mobility, setting a new standard for urban transportation worldwide.
- The partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai and Baidu's Apollo Go signifies Dubai's plans to commercialize autonomous mobility solutions, a move that aligns with the city's goal of becoming a global leader in smart mobility.
- Uber, through its Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, Noah Zych, has expressed excitement about partnering with RTA, noting that this move aligns with Uber's broader goal of scaling autonomous ride-hailing worldwide.
- Dubai, in partnership with Joby Aviation, is pioneering the launch of commercial electric flying taxis by 2026, aiming to integrate electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the city’s infrastructure as a new transport mode.
- The collaboration between Dubai's RTA and dnata will introduce a fleet of autonomous electric vehicles at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, supporting ground handling efficiency and contributing to the city's broader automation and autonomous vehicle initiatives.
