At least 60 driverless vehicles, being operated by three global companies, are carrying out pilot operations in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, preparing for commercial launch by 2026.
The taxis will be launched under the name “Dubai Future Ride” and will offer passengers an exceptional experience through interactive entertainment screens powered by artificial intelligence.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai was briefed about the project on the sidelines of the two-day Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 2025 organized by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) that is currently underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Hamdan said: “Dubai continues to strengthen its status as a global hub for innovation and future-driven technologies. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we are working to make Dubai the world’s most future-ready city, the best place to live and the fastest in adopting innovations that enhance quality of life.”
“The Self-Driving Transport Strategy is a key part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy and consolidate its global leadership across sectors. We have adopted an integrated approach that prioritises research and development, attracts investment, and embraces cutting-edge technologies to ensure Dubai remains at the forefront of global transformations, especially in the digital economy and emerging technology sectors such as artificial intelligence,” he said.
The exhibition hosts 55 exhibitors representing leading companies showcasing innovations in self-driving vehicles and buses, robotics and artificial intelligence technologies, as well as smart and sustainable mobility. TENSOR unveiled its self-driving vehicles for the first time in the region, while the Chinese company XPENG showcased its autonomous aircraft. The exhibition also featured vehicles from five consortia and companies participating in the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport.
They were also briefed on the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy 2025–2040, which aims to raise the proportion of trips made via autonomous transport from the current 20.4 percent to 25 percent by 2030 and 36 percent by 2040. – with inputs by WAM
