Dubai to Launch Robotaxis on Sheikh Zayed Road by March 2026, Confirms RTA

Dubai to Launch Robotaxis on Sheikh Zayed Road by March 2026, Confirms RTA
Dubai is preparing to roll out robotaxis self-driving taxis along Sheikh Zayed Road by March 2026, in a bold step toward its vision of becoming a global leader in smart mobility. The announcement was made by a senior Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official during GITEX Global 2025, currently underway in the city.
The move aligns with Dubai’s ambitious target to make 25% of its transportation fully autonomous by 2030, part of a broader strategy to reduce congestion, improve safety, and adopt cutting-edge technologies in urban mobility.
Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, confirmed that trials are already in progress with three major Chinese companies:
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Baidu’s Apollo Go
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WeRide
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Pony.ai
These companies are currently testing autonomous vehicles in Zones 1 and 2 controlled environments designated by the RTA for initial assessments. Once they successfully complete the trials, they will be authorized to move into Zone 3, which includes Sheikh Zayed Road, one of the city’s busiest and most prominent highways.
“Once any of these companies complete and pass the trials in controlled open areas, they can proceed to Zone 3, which includes Sheikh Zayed Road,” said Al Awadhi.
The robotaxi rollout is a pivotal milestone in Dubai’s journey toward becoming a smart, tech-driven city, and could redefine how residents and tourists experience transportation in the emirate.
Stay tuned for updates as Dubai prepares to take autonomous mobility to one of its most iconic roads.