Dubai's RTA Sets Bold Goal: 25% Transportation To Be Autonomous By 2030 With Global Partnerships

Dubai is set to become a frontrunner in the autonomous mobility sector, with its Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) forging strategic partnerships with global autonomous driving technology leaders.

This move is part of a broader vision to transform 25% of all transportation in the city to driverless modes by 2030, aligning with Dubai's goal to be the smartest and most livable city globally. The partnerships involve collaborations with Uber Technologies, Inc., WeRide, and Baidu through its autonomous mobility branch, Apollo Go.

Image Courtesy: RTA

This initiative not only aims to provide seamless mobility options for residents and visitors but also to reduce traffic accidents, which are predominantly caused by human error. By catering to diverse community segments, including senior citizens and people with disabilities, autonomous vehicles promise to make Dubai's transport infrastructure more inclusive and efficient.

Beginning this year, Uber, together with WeRide, and Baidu via Apollo Go will start testing autonomous taxis in Dubai. Although these trials will initially have a safety driver present, the goal is to achieve fully driverless commercial operations by 2026.

"Uber, starting with WeRide, and Baidu through Apollo Go will commence trials of autonomous taxis in Dubai this year, with a safety driver seated behind the wheel, in preparation for the driverless commercial launch in 2026," Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, elaborated.

This phased approach not only ensures the safety and reliability of autonomous taxis but also paves the way for a transformative shift in how residents and visitors experience mobility in Dubai.The collaboration with these technology giants underscores Dubai's commitment to enhancing public transport connectivity and road safety.

The international expansion of companies like Apollo Go and WeRide into Dubai represents a milestone in their growth and a testament to Dubai's attractive ecosystem for innovation in smart mobility.

Dr. Wang Yunpeng, Baidu Corporate Vice President and President of Baidu Intelligent Driving Group, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This ambitious partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai represents Apollo Go's biggest international expansion beyond China thus far."

Similarly, WeRide's Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business, Jennifer Li, highlighted Dubai as a critical step in their mission to revolutionize mobility in the Middle East and beyond.

Noah Zych, Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, also shared his excitement about bringing autonomous vehicles to the Uber platform in Dubai. This move aligns with Uber's broader mission to transform urban mobility and underscores the potential for autonomous vehicles to redefine transportation in cities worldwide.

Apollo Go has already achieved significant milestones in autonomous driving, recording over 150 million km of safe driving and becoming the world's largest operator of driverless fleets. The success of its fully driverless operations and the positive reception of its sixth-generation robotaxi underscore the potential for autonomous ride-hailing services to enhance urban mobility.

Meanwhile, WeRide has established itself as a leader in the autonomous driving industry, offering a range of products and services that cater to various transportation needs.

These partnerships and the technological advancements they bring are poised to significantly impact Dubai's transportation landscape. By facilitating smoother, safer, and more efficient mobility options, they will contribute to the realisation of Dubai's vision to become a global pioneer in autonomous mobility.

These alliances aim to introduce autonomous taxis onto Dubai's roads, marking a significant leap towards integrating advanced transportation solutions into the urban fabric.