Spotting driverless taxis in Abu Dhabi could soon become commonplace – with the network now expanding to these iconic locations!
The Abu Dhabi authorities have announced the expansion of autonomous taxi services to ‘high-density areas’, namely Al Reem and Al Maryah islands.
Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) said the service will be carried out in collaboration with WeRide, with Uber and Tawasul Transport as the local operator of the project.
Both islands offer an ideal setting to test out the driverless taxis thanks to the complex traffic patterns.
The latest additions come following the successful trials of the vehicles on Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Zayed International Airport. Abu Dhabi remains on track for 25 per cent of the emirate’s trips to rely on smart transport by 2040.
The ITC is also working to roll out the service to more areas on Abu Dhabi Island in the future.
The emirate currently operates the largest active fleet, with 44 autonomous vehicles serving key locations across the city.
Since launching the service on Uber (where you can book these cars!) in December 2024, the autonomous fleet has tripled in size. Abu Dhabi is now home to the largest active fleet of driverless or autonomous taxis in the MENA region.
Watch this space for more cool updates! Meanwhile, if you’re driving yourself around, here are some updated traffic rules to keep an eye out for.