Dubai Driverless Taxis and Flying Taxis: What Is Running and What Is Coming

Dubai is moving two new kinds of transport from trial to service: driverless road vehicles and electric air taxis. Driverless taxis are already carrying passengers in part of the city, while air taxis are built and awaiting approvals. This guide sets out what is running, what is planned, and what to check before you travel.

The short version

• The RTA announced commercial driverless taxi operations on 30 March 2026, with about 100 vehicles from Baidu’s Apollo Go and WeRide in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
• Dubai’s goal is for 25% of trips to be autonomous by 2030.
• The first air taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport has been built, and authorities said in April 2026 that commercial air taxi services should start by late 2026, subject to approvals, testing and certification.
• Check the operator’s app or the RTA for the latest status, because dates can move.

Status at a glance

Driverless taxis: what to know

• Coverage is still limited, so check that your pickup and drop-off are in the service zone.
• Apollo Go rides were free at first and are now a paid option, so check the fare in the app before you book.
• Wait times and availability can vary by hour while the fleet is small.

For the wider picture of AI and automation in the city, see our guide to AI and blockchain in Dubai.

Air taxis: what to expect

Air taxis are electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, known as eVTOLs. Joby Aviation has flown test flights in Dubai, and the first vertiport near Dubai International Airport has been completed. The service still needs final regulatory approvals and certification before passengers can fly, and the RTA leads the effort to integrate it into the city’s transport network. Fares, routes and exact launch dates should be confirmed when they are announced. Because published fares and timings have not been confirmed, treat any figure you see online as provisional.

Challenges

• Public trust and safety, especially for early autonomous rides.
• Insurance and liability rules for driverless vehicles.
• Air traffic rules, noise limits and vertiport capacity for air taxis.
• Cybersecurity for connected vehicles.