Abu Dhabi is fast cementing its reputation as a global pioneer in smart mobility, as its fleet of autonomous taxis hits a major milestone—over 600,000 kilometres of accident-free operation.
According to the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the self-driving vehicles have successfully completed more than 40,000 trips, with 99% of them carried out fully autonomously. The project currently operates a fleet of 22 autonomous taxis, showcasing cutting-edge technology and seamless integration within the city’s modern infrastructure.
Expanding Coverage Across the Capital
Initially launched on Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and routes leading to Zayed International Airport, the autonomous taxi service has now expanded to cover Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands. These densely populated and economically significant districts present more complex traffic patterns—making them ideal testing grounds for WeRide, the tech firm behind the vehicle systems.
The expansion is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader Smart Mobility Strategy and is being delivered through a partnership between WeRide, local operator TXAI, and ride-hailing platform Uber. This joint initiative aligns with the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) strategy, aimed at creating an AI-powered transport ecosystem.
Public Confidence on the Rise
Public trust in autonomous taxis is growing rapidly, with passengers praising the comfort, safety, and accuracy of the rides. An advanced operations centre monitors all trips in real time, ready to intervene if needed—but intervention is rarely required. The 99% autonomy rate is a key driver of growing acceptance among both residents and visitors.
The taxis serve commercial, residential, and tourist areas, offering real-world scenarios that help refine the system’s algorithms through continuous data analysis.
Driving Towards a Sustainable Future
Abu Dhabi’s autonomous taxi network is not just about convenience—it’s a central component of the emirate’s Vision 2030. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions, lower congestion, and promote sustainable transport alternatives across the city. Authorities have set an ambitious goal: to make 25% of all trips reliant on smart mobility solutions by 2040.
Dr. Abdullah Al Ghafli, Acting Director General of the ITC, hailed the latest expansion as a “key step in Abu Dhabi’s journey toward a smarter and safer transport ecosystem.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing quality of life through sustainable innovation.
A Global Example in Smart Mobility
With Abu Dhabi now hosting WeRide’s largest autonomous fleet outside the US and China, the city is positioning itself as a global leader in intelligent transport. The combination of strong public-private partnerships, supportive regulation, and future-ready infrastructure has turned Abu Dhabi into a living testbed for the cities of tomorrow.
As the service continues to grow, further advancements in autonomous technology and service reach are expected—solidifying the emirate’s status as a world-class smart city.
Source: Gulf News
If you’re in the UK and not quite ready to trust an autonomous taxi, and you need a real human driver in a car, minibus or executive vehicle—then book with DM Airport Transfers. We cover every UK airport, major events, and football matches with professional, reliable service.
Thanks for visiting DM News! If you’ve got a question, story, or anything you’d like to say, head over to DriverMatty.com — I’d love to hear from you! And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out my other websites and social media channels.
