Short answer: in Dubai, request an UberX or Uber Comfort in Jumeirah or Umm Suqeim and you may be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go (Baidu) or WeRide car; you can also use the Apollo Go app. In Abu Dhabi, WeRide's driverless cars are matched through Uber, starting on Yas Island. You pay the normal Uber fare.
The UAE has made driverless rides unusually easy for visitors: you don't need a local app, an invite or a resident ID, just the Uber app you already have. Here is how it works in each emirate as of October 21, 2026.
Dubai
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched commercial robotaxi service on March 30, 2026, with an initial fleet of 100 autonomous taxis from Baidu's Apollo Go and WeRide in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. WeRide began fully driverless, fare-charging rides on Uber, and Apollo Go cars joined Uber on August 20, 2026. Pony.ai also has an agreement with the RTA.
- Open Uber in a covered area of Jumeirah or Umm Suqeim (for example near the beach hotels and Madinat Jumeirah).
- Choose UberX or Uber Comfort, or the Autonomous option if the app shows it; that improves your chances of a match.
- Accept the driverless car when it's offered. You can decline and get a regular driver.
- Follow the app to find and unlock the car. Apollo Go's RT6 carries up to three passengers.
Apollo Go also takes bookings in its own app in Dubai. Rides there were free at first and are now paid. Through Uber, you pay the price of the ride type you requested.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi was the first city in the Middle East with fully driverless commercial rides: WeRide and Uber launched them on Yas Island, after the Integrated Transport Centre issued the region's first fully driverless permit. The service later expanded to central areas such as Al Reem and Al Maryah islands. At launch, rides ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To ride, request Uber Comfort, UberX or the Autonomous option in a covered area.
Yas Island is where most visitors go anyway (Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and Etihad Arena), which makes it a natural place to try a robotaxi between attractions.
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi at a glance
| Dubai | Abu Dhabi | |
|---|---|---|
| Operators | Apollo Go (Baidu), WeRide; Pony.ai partner | WeRide |
| How to book | Uber (UberX, Comfort, Autonomous) or Apollo Go app | Uber (UberX, Comfort, Autonomous) |
| Areas | Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah | Yas Island, Al Reem, Al Maryah |
| Safety driver | No (fully driverless) | No (fully driverless) |
| Price | Normal Uber fare for the ride type | Normal Uber fare for the ride type |
Tips for visitors
- Matches aren't guaranteed: fleets are small compared with regular taxis. Try at off-peak times inside the covered area.
- Summer heat is intense; the car is cooled before you get in, but wait in the shade until it arrives.
- Airports (DXB and AUH) are not covered by driverless service yet.
- Your US or European Uber account works; you don't need a local phone number.
Riding in the US too? Compare with our city tracker and driverless rides on Uber in the US.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists ride driverless taxis in Dubai?
Yes. If you have the Uber app, request an UberX or Uber Comfort in the covered areas of Jumeirah or Umm Suqeim and you may be matched with a driverless Apollo Go or WeRide car. Choosing the Autonomous option, where offered, improves your chances.
How much does a driverless taxi cost in Dubai?
Rides booked through Uber cost the same as the ride type you requested. Apollo Go rides were free at first in parts of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim and are now paid; check the fare in the app before booking.
Where are the robotaxis in Abu Dhabi?
WeRide's driverless cars on Uber started on Yas Island and have expanded to central areas such as Al Reem and Al Maryah islands. At launch the service ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Is Waymo in Dubai?
No. The UAE services are run by Chinese companies Baidu (Apollo Go), WeRide and Pony.ai, working with Uber and local operators.
Update log
- Guide published. Apollo Go on Uber in Dubai since Aug 20, 2026.
Sources and official texts
- Khaleej Times: Uber launches Baidu's driverless Apollo Go taxis in Dubai
- Uber Investor Relations: WeRide and Uber launch fully driverless fare-charging operations in Dubai
- Uber Investor Relations: Uber launches Baidu's fully driverless Apollo Go in Dubai
- Gulf News: fully driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi, how to book
- Gasgoo: WeRide and Uber expand robotaxi services across Abu Dhabi