Dubai Launches Driverless RT6 Taxi Service: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Dubai is set to revolutionise urban travel with the launch of fully autonomous RT6 taxi vehicles. On February 5, 2026, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, ditched the traditional motorcade and hitched a driverless ride to the World Governments Summit at Madinat Jumeirah.

Sheikh Hamdan noted that the goal is to make getting around Dubai “smarter, safer, and more efficient.” Far from just a flashy gadget, the project is designed to make the city more accessible for everyone, whether you’re a local heading to work or a tourist exploring the sights.  

Joining the Crown Prince for the big reveal were key leaders, including Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister for AI, and Mattar Al Tayer, the head of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Meet The RT6: The Technology Powering Dubai's Autonomous Fleet

So, what exactly are you stepping into? Developed with Baidu Apollo Go, the RT6 is a sixth-generation autonomous vehicle for cities. Each vehicle has over 40 sensors, including high-precision LiDAR, multi-band radar, and advanced cameras. These provide 360-degree awareness, letting the taxi detect pedestrians, vehicles, intersections, and obstacles in real time.

The system analyses traffic conditions in seconds and enables the vehicle to make driving decisions without human intervention. Authorities say the technology navigates complex city environments and obeys traffic rules on public roads.  

Officials also highlighted that the platform integrates high-definition mapping, real-time data feeds, and deep-learning algorithms to support route planning, safe navigation, and prediction of the behaviour of nearby road users.

For travellers, this means a more seamless connection between major Metro stations and popular tourist hubs. Initial routes are expected to focus on high-traffic zones, including Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Public Rollout Begins With 100 Vehicles Next Month

If you’re eager to try it for yourself, you won’t have to wait long. Authorities have confirmed that a fleet of 100 driverless taxis will officially begin public service next month as an initial pilot phase. This marks the beginning of a wider rollout, with plans to expand the service throughout the first quarter of 2026.

The long-term vision is about more than just novelty. By removing human error from the equation, Dubai hopes to slash traffic jams and make the roads significantly safer. It’s all part of a bigger plan to make the city a global leader in sustainable, intelligent living, proving that smart tech can make daily life a little less stressful.

Global Innovation, Local Roots

While the technology comes from a global leader, the infrastructure is firmly rooted in Dubai. To support the fleet, Baidu Apollo Go has opened its first international operations and control centre at Dubai Science Park.  

This 2,000-square-meter facility will serve as the hub for managing the autonomous fleet. Here, experts will monitor every car's performance in real time, push software updates, and run safety simulations around the clock. As the fleet expands, with plans to reach over 1,000 vehicles in the coming years, safety remains a priority. 

What This Means For Your Next Dubai Trip

The RT6 public rollout begins with the pilot fleet next month, followed by wider expansion scheduled for early 2026. So, if you’re planning a visit to Dubai soon, keep your phone charged. You’ll be able to ride an RT6 through a dedicated app, much like you would a standard Uber. Whether you’re a tech nerd wanting to see AI in action or a solo traveller looking for a consistent, safe ride back to your hotel, these robotaxis offer a unique blend of convenience and astonishment.

Ultimately, this service is about making Dubai a more inclusive place to travel. It’s a reliable, futuristic way to see the city, setting a brand-new standard for how we’ll navigate it in the years to come.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

1. When will Dubai’s driverless taxis start operating? 

Dubai’s driverless taxi service is set to begin public operations next month as a pilot phase. 

2. How many driverless taxis will launch in the first phase? 

The first public rollout will begin with a fleet of 100 autonomous RT6 vehicles. 

3. What is the RT6 driverless taxi? 

The RT6 is a sixth-generation autonomous vehicle developed with Baidu Apollo Go, built for complex city driving. 

4. Which areas in Dubai will the driverless taxis operate in? 

Initial routes are expected to focus on high-traffic zones such as Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim and Dubai Silicon Oasis. 

5. How do Dubai’s driverless taxis detect obstacles and pedestrians? 

Each RT6 taxi uses a sensor suite including LiDAR, radar and cameras to maintain 360-degree awareness in real time. 

6. How will travellers book a driverless taxi in Dubai? 

Travellers will be able to ride the RT6 through a dedicated app, similar to booking a standard ride-hailing service.