Dubai Goes Autonomous: Sheikh Hamdan Unveils First Driverless RT6 Taxis, Marking a New Era in Smart Mobility

Dubai has officially entered the future of urban transport with the landmark launch of its first fleet of fully driverless RT6 taxis. The service was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who personally took the first ride, signaling a major leap in the emirate's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy.

The launch, held alongside the World Governments Summit, showcases Dubai's commitment to becoming a global leader in AI-powered smart mobility. The autonomous taxis, developed in partnership with Baidu's Apollo Go platform, use a sophisticated array of sensors, real-time mapping, and deep-learning AI to navigate city streets safely without a human driver.

The Technology Powering the RT6 Taxis

The RT6 robotaxi represents cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology:

• Multi-Layer Sensing: Equipped with lidar, radar, and high-definition cameras for 360-degree environmental perception.
• Advanced AI Decision-Making: Uses deep-learning algorithms to interpret complex traffic scenarios, detect pedestrians, and comply with local traffic laws.
• Proven Platform: The Baidu Apollo Go system boasts a strong safety record, with over 150 million kilometers of autonomous driving and 10 million completed trips globally prior to its Dubai deployment.

Phased Public Rollout and Strategic Goals

While the launch marks the official start of operations, a broader public rollout is planned throughout early 2026. Key aspects of the strategy include:

• Initial Fleet: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will deploy an initial fleet of around 100 fully autonomous taxis, operated in partnership with Baidu Apollo Go, Pony.ai, and Uber.
• Scaling Up: Plans are in place to expand the fleet to over 1,000 vehicles in the coming years.
• Ambitious Target: This initiative is a cornerstone of Dubai's goal to convert 25% of all trips into autonomous journeys by 2030.

Sheikh Hamdan described the launch as the beginning of a "journey to the future," highlighting expectations that autonomous transport will be safer, more efficient, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Integration into a Broader Smart Mobility Ecosystem

The driverless taxi service is not an isolated project. It integrates with Dubai's wider smart transport transformation, which includes:

• Glydways driverless pod systems connecting metro stations to key destinations.
• AI-powered traffic management systems to reduce congestion.
• A dedicated regulatory framework and autonomous vehicle testing zones to ensure safety and public confidence.

Safety and Regulatory Preparedness

Dubai has taken a meticulous, safety-first approach to integration. The RTA issued the first autonomous driving test licenses to operators after extensive trials in controlled zones. This structured regulatory framework ensures the technology is robust and reliable before full-scale public deployment.

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The Road Ahead

The launch of driverless RT6 taxis is a transformative milestone for Dubai. It represents a tangible step towards reducing traffic accidents, cutting emissions, and alleviating congestion through innovation. As the fleet expands, Dubai is poised to set a new global standard for sustainable, efficient, and intelligent urban mobility, solidifying its reputation as a city of the future.