Where to Find Dubai’s New Driverless RoboTaxis: 65 Locations Revealed
Dubai has officially shifted its smart mobility strategy into high gear with the Phase 1 rollout of Driverless RoboTaxis. This deployment follows the issuance of the Emirate’s first-ever permit for fully autonomous trials on public roads without a human safety driver.
By designating 65 high-precision pickup and drop-off locations, the RTA is moving beyond experimental sandboxes. This move establishes a direct commercial roadmap, with full operations scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
Mapping the Two Operational Zones
The RTA has divided the service into two primary zones to maximise coverage in high-density residential and commercial districts:
Zone One (17 Locations):
Primarily covers the Jumeirah 1, 2, and 3 corridors, including landmarks like the Etihad Museum and La Mer.
Zone Two (48 Locations):
Extends into Umm Suqeim, Al Wasl, and the coastal residential districts. These areas were mapped using specialised Chevrolet Bolt EVs equipped with LiDAR and high-resolution sensors, enabling AI to manage traffic in Dubai without human intervention.
Technical Milestones
The heart of the project lies in the Baidu RT6, a purpose-built autonomous vehicle roughly the size of a Tesla Model 3. Unlike traditional cars, the RT6 is designed for ride-hailing with a spacious four-passenger cabin and up to 1,200 TOPS of computing power. Key project updates include:
- Control Hub: A new 2,000-square-meter Operations Centre opened at Dubai Science Park to manage fleet charging and software updates.
- Fleet Scale: While 50 vehicles are currently in testing, the RTA aims to expand the fleet to over 1,000 autonomous taxis by 2028.
- Permit Status: Baidu has received the first permit to operate on public roads without a safety driver, marking a move beyond the trial phase.
Market Comparison: Baidu vs. WeRide
While Baidu focuses on the RT6 fleet, residents in Jumeirah can already experience autonomous tech via the Uber app, which utilises WeRide vehicles. The WeRide trials require a safety driver, but the new RTA/Baidu permit allows a “cab-only” operation.
| Feature | Baidu Apollo Go (RT6) | WeRide (via Uber) |
| Model | RT6 (Purpose-built) | Retrofitted EVs |
| Safety Driver | Not required (Permit-ready) | Currently Required |
| Hubs | 65 Approved Locations | Selected Jumeirah Routes |
| Commercial Launch | Q1 2026 | Ongoing Pilot |
Conclusion
The rollout of Driverless RoboTaxis across 65 locations represents a measurable shift in Dubai’s transportation infrastructure. The city is shifting from human-monitored trials to fully autonomous permits.
This competitive landscape between Baidu and WeRide ensures that residents will have multiple entry points within the next year. What do you think about the shift toward totally driverless cabs in your neighbourhood? Let us know in the comments below.
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