The Rise of Driverless Taxis in Abu Dhabi: What You Need to Know

Friday, 27 June 2025

Imagine hailing a taxi with no driver at the wheel—just an intelligent, high-tech vehicle that knows exactly where to go. That vision is now a reality in Abu Dhabi. The capital of the UAE has become one of the pioneering cities in the region to roll out autonomous taxis, marking a bold leap into the future of urban transportation. This groundbreaking service is currently being piloted through a collaboration between Uber and WeRide, a global leader in self-driving technology.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a tourist seeking a futuristic ride, or a curious local, here’s everything you need to know about how these driverless taxis work, how to book one, and what the experience is really like.

Table of Contents

• What Are Self-Driving Taxis?
• How to Book a Driverless Taxi in Abu Dhabi
• Inside the Technology: How Safe Are These Taxis?
• Why Try a Driverless Taxi?
• Current Limitations and What’s Next
• Public Response and User Experience
• What About Safety and Regulations?
• Future Plans: What’s Next for Driverless Taxis in the UAE?
• The Bigger Picture: Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Vision
• Frequently asked questions

What Are Self-Driving Taxis?

Driverless taxis, also known as autonomous vehicles (AVs), are equipped with advanced systems that allow them to operate without a human behind the wheel. These vehicles use a fusion of AI-powered software, real-time sensors, radar, and cameras to interpret their surroundings, avoid obstacles, and safely transport passengers from point A to B.

In Abu Dhabi, these taxis are part of a test initiative that aims to eventually integrate self-driving technology into the city’s public and private transport networks. With Uber and WeRide at the helm of this project, the vehicles are currently available in selected zones and are monitored for safety and performance.

How to Book a Driverless Taxi in Abu Dhabi

Booking an autonomous taxi in Abu Dhabi might sound complex, but it’s actually quite straightforward—especially if you’re familiar with the Uber app. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Install the Uber App

Begin by downloading the Uber app from the App Store (for iOS users) or Google Play (for Android devices). Once installed, either log into your account or register as a new user.

2. Set Your Pickup Location

Open the app and enter the address where you’d like to be picked up. Your current location will automatically appear via GPS, but you can manually adjust it if necessary.

3. Select the Autonomous Ride Option

Once your pickup point is confirmed, browse through the available ride choices. If you’re in one of the trial areas, you’ll see an option labeled for self-driving or autonomous vehicles. Tap on it to proceed.

4. Confirm and Request Your Ride

The app will display your estimated fare and arrival time. If all looks good, hit “Confirm.” The system will then match you with the nearest available autonomous vehicle.

5. Track Your Vehicle

Just like a standard Uber trip, you’ll be able to follow your ride on the app’s map as it approaches. The autonomous vehicle will navigate its way to you, and you’ll receive updates about its location.

6. Hop In and Relax

Once the taxi arrives, enter the vehicle and enjoy your driverless journey. Even though there’s no driver, a remote operations team is monitoring the ride to ensure your safety and respond to any issues.

Inside the Technology: How Safe Are These Taxis?

Safety is naturally a top concern for anyone trying out a driverless ride. The good news is that these vehicles have been engineered with robust, multi-layered security features.

Remote Supervision

Behind every ride, a human operator is monitoring the vehicle in real-time from a control center. If an emergency arises, they can intervene and take over the system instantly.

Smart Sensors and Cameras

Self-driving taxis are equipped with an array of high-resolution cameras and proximity sensors. These work together to identify other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and road conditions, ensuring precise navigation.

Emergency Braking

Advanced braking systems are built in to handle sudden stops or obstacles that might appear on the road. These systems operate faster than human reflexes in many cases.

Although the technology is still in the trial phase, both the UAE government and private operators are taking comprehensive measures to test these vehicles thoroughly and ensure public safety before wider deployment.

Why Try a Driverless Taxi?

Self-driving taxis aren’t just a novelty—they’re packed with practical benefits that can revolutionize everyday commuting.

Affordability

Since these vehicles don’t require a human driver, operating costs can be significantly reduced. That could translate into more budget-friendly fares for riders in the future.

Convenience

No need to wait around for a driver or deal with cancellations. The vehicle finds its way to your location on its own, offering a seamless and futuristic experience.

Sustainability

Most self-driving taxis in Abu Dhabi are electric, which means they produce fewer carbon emissions than traditional gas-powered cars. By using them, you’re contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

Current Limitations and What’s Next

Although the technology is promising, autonomous taxis are still navigating a number of real-world challenges.

For one, self-driving cars must be equipped to handle unpredictable weather, complex traffic scenarios, and spontaneous human behavior—all of which require ongoing refinement of their systems.

Additionally, the pilot program is currently restricted to designated zones in Abu Dhabi. Full-scale integration into the wider transport network will take time and regulatory coordination.

Still, the trajectory is clear: as safety improves and public trust builds, autonomous vehicles are set to become a regular part of city life not just in Abu Dhabi, but across the UAE.

Public Response and User Experience

Early users of TXAI have described the experience as smooth, quiet, and futuristic. The interior resembles that of a standard car, but without the driver. Voice prompts and touchscreens guide you through the ride.

Though some residents were initially skeptical, curiosity has quickly turned into excitement. Social media posts and YouTube reviews show passengers filming their “first ride with no driver” and praising the smooth navigation.

Safety is still a top priority. During the trial period, human operators remain on board to intervene if necessary. However, as confidence in the system grows, the aim is to remove human backup altogether.

What About Safety and Regulations?

The UAE has created a legal and regulatory framework to govern autonomous vehicles. The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) ensure that all driverless cars meet international and local safety standards.

Some key safety features include:

• Real-time monitoring by control centers
• Emergency stop mechanisms
• Continuous data analysis to improve driving patterns
• Onboard communication for passenger support

These steps ensure that passenger safety remains the top priority as the technology evolves.

Future Plans: What’s Next for Driverless Taxis in the UAE?

The success of Abu Dhabi’s trials paves the way for mass rollout across the Emirates. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

1. Autonomous Buses and Shuttles

Beyond taxis, Abu Dhabi is exploring self-driving public transport solutions. Autonomous minibuses could soon serve business districts and residential areas.

2. Integration with Smart Infrastructure

With 5G and smart traffic lights being deployed across the city, driverless vehicles will soon integrate seamlessly with the broader smart transport grid.

3. Expansion to Dubai and Beyond

While Abu Dhabi leads the way, Dubai and Sharjah are closely observing. It’s only a matter of time before RoboTaxis become common across the UAE.

The Bigger Picture: Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Vision

Abu Dhabi’s introduction of self-driving taxis is just one part of a broader strategy to create a smart, connected, and sustainable transportation ecosystem. The emirate is actively investing in AI, electric mobility, and public transport innovation as part of its Vision 2030 goals.

By embracing autonomous technology early, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global leader in urban mobility—right alongside other forward-thinking cities like San Francisco, Singapore, and Shanghai.

The rise of driverless taxis in Abu Dhabi is more than just a tech trend—it’s a game-changing move that’s set to reshape the way we think about travel. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, hopping into an autonomous vehicle is no longer a scene from a sci-fi movie—it’s something you can do today with just a few taps on your phone.

With benefits like cost efficiency, environmental sustainability, and ultimate convenience, it’s no wonder this innovation is gaining momentum. As testing expands and more users share their positive experiences, self-driving taxis may soon become the new norm for urban travel in the UAE and beyond.