Dubai is providing residents with an opportunity to enjoy 50 free trips on its autonomous taxi service, and those interested can follow a simple booking process to secure and experience these innovative, driverless rides today.
Dubai residents can now enjoy 50 free self-driving taxi trips — learn how to reserve yours.
Dubai residents now have the chance to experience the future of urban mobility, as autonomous taxis have begun operating in specific parts of the city. By selecting the ‘Autonomous’ option within the Uber application, users can request a ride in one of the driverless vehicles now introduced as part of Dubai’s ongoing smart-transport transformation. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed on Thursday that the WeRide Robotaxi — an advanced self-driving car developed in partnership with global autonomous mobility specialists — has officially been integrated into Uber’s platform, allowing the public to try this innovative mode of travel for the first time through a familiar and widely used ride-hailing service.
Although this represents a significant step toward the widespread adoption of autonomous transport, the service is being introduced gradually. For the moment, the availability of these futuristic taxis is limited to two well-known neighbourhoods: Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. These districts have been selected due to their suitable road conditions, predictable traffic flow, and proximity to residential and recreational areas, making them ideal testing zones. According to the information displayed on the Uber app, the Robotaxi service is currently operational only during specific hours—between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. This time window allows the RTA and its technology partners to monitor the vehicles in various real-life situations while maintaining a controlled environment for the pilot phase.
Although the concept of a completely driverless ride is appealing and represents the ultimate goal of the project, the system is not yet functioning in full autonomous mode. As part of safety protocols and to ensure public confidence, a trained safety driver will be seated behind the wheel throughout the trial period. This individual will not typically intervene, as the vehicle is designed to make its own decisions using sensors, cameras, and onboard intelligence. However, the safety driver can take control should the situation require human judgment. This transitional arrangement allows real-world testing while ensuring that passengers feel secure as they get accustomed to the idea of a car navigating without direct human input.
RTA officials have emphasised that this gradual rollout is a key milestone in Dubai’s ambitious roadmap for autonomous mobility. The city aims to be a global leader in smart transportation, and today’s trial is part of a larger strategy to eventually incorporate driverless systems across multiple modes of transport. Early next year, the autonomous taxis are expected to operate without safety drivers, once all testing data has been analysed and regulatory approvals have been completed.
The launch of Robotaxi services also marks a tangible shift in the everyday commuting experience for residents. What was once a futuristic concept is now becoming a practical and accessible reality. Local communities in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah are among the first to witness how artificial intelligence can seamlessly integrate with the city’s transportation network. The pilot program is expected to generate valuable insights—ranging from passenger feedback and safety performance to route optimisation and overall efficiency—which will play a pivotal role in shaping the future stages of Dubai’s driverless mobility expansion.
For residents and visitors in Dubai, the opportunity to experience cutting-edge autonomous transportation just became even more enticing. Uber has announced a limited-time promotional offer that allows riders to take their first 50 trips in a driverless taxi completely free of charge, with a maximum value of Dh500 per ride. This initiative, which runs until the end of January 2026, is part of Uber’s ongoing efforts to promote the use of autonomous vehicles while introducing passengers to a unique and futuristic commuting experience in Dubai. The campaign not only encourages locals to try out the city’s newest mobility innovation but also gives a taste of what the future of urban travel could look like, without requiring users to pay a single dirham for these initial journeys.
However, there are specific conditions to this offer, which potential riders need to be aware of. Currently, the autonomous taxi service is restricted to two designated areas within Dubai: Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. These areas were strategically chosen for their suitability in terms of traffic patterns, road infrastructure, and safety considerations. As a result, the free rides promotion is valid only for trips that start and end within these zones. This limitation ensures that the vehicles operate within a controlled environment while still allowing the public to explore popular neighborhoods and attractions using the autonomous technology. Despite these geographical restrictions, the experience remains highly appealing, as both districts encompass some of Dubai’s most visited and scenic spots.
To illustrate the value of the offer, consider a practical example. A passenger who typically travels between Jumeirah Mosque and Kite Beach—a route often booked via UberX around midday—might normally pay approximately Dh45 or more, depending on demand and traffic conditions. By selecting the ‘Autonomous’ ride option on the Uber app, this same trip can now be completed free of charge under the promotion, saving riders money while simultaneously providing the novelty of riding in a fully self-driving vehicle. This real-world example highlights the potential for passengers to combine convenience, safety, and entertainment, all while enjoying the latest in autonomous transportation technology.
Uber has made it simple for users to access this promotional benefit. Once a rider opens the Uber app, the ‘Autonomous’ option appears alongside traditional ride types. Selecting this option automatically activates the promotion for eligible rides, up to the Dh500 cap per trip and within the first 50 journeys. This streamlined process ensures that both regular users and newcomers to the app can quickly participate without any additional registration or coupon codes, making the experience accessible to a broad audience. By incentivizing early adoption through free rides, Uber is encouraging more people to become comfortable with the idea of driverless travel and to envision its role in everyday commuting.
The free ride offer also serves as a demonstration of Dubai’s forward-thinking approach to smart city initiatives. By allowing the public to experience autonomous vehicles firsthand, the RTA and Uber aim to normalize the technology, gather user feedback, and inspire confidence in driverless solutions. For residents, the chance to travel along Dubai’s scenic coastline or between cultural landmarks in a self-driving taxi provides not just convenience, but also a glimpse into a future where autonomous transportation could become an integral part of the city’s daily life.
Insider 18 recently had the opportunity to experience Dubai’s latest transportation innovation by booking an autonomous ride through the Uber app. The journey began at the popular Bâoli Dubai restaurant and concluded at Kite Beach, covering a distance of approximately nine kilometres. Under normal circumstances, a trip along this route, booked around noon using the standard UberX service, would cost passengers between Dh39 and Dh49, depending on factors such as demand and traffic conditions. However, thanks to Uber’s promotional initiative that allows the first 50 autonomous taxi rides to be free—up to a maximum of Dh500 per ride—this particular journey was completed entirely without charge. The experience provided a firsthand look at how driverless taxis operate in a real-world urban environment while offering an enjoyable, futuristic alternative to traditional ride-hailing options.
For those looking to book a ride in one of Dubai’s driverless taxis, there are a few important points to note. The autonomous vehicles are not available throughout the city; instead, they operate only within specific pick-up zones designated by the Uber app. Riders must be physically located at or near these predetermined points for the service to appear as an option. This controlled approach allows Uber and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to ensure that the vehicles function safely while navigating traffic, pedestrians, and other urban variables during the pilot phase of this technology.
Finding the locations where autonomous taxis are available is straightforward. To begin, users open the Uber application on their smartphone and tap the ‘Where to?’ field at the top of the screen. The app will automatically detect the user’s current location and prompt them to enter their desired destination. Once the drop-off point has been specified, the app proceeds to the ‘Choose a ride’ page, displaying all the ride options currently available for the requested route. For users within areas where driverless taxis are operational, the ‘Autonomous’ option will appear alongside familiar choices such as UberX, UberXL, and other premium services.
If a rider is outside the designated zones, the autonomous option will not automatically appear. Instead, the app provides a subtle notification at the bottom of the screen that reads: ‘Autonomous available at select locations.’ This prompt indicates that while the service is not accessible at the user’s current position, there are nearby pick-up points where it can be booked. Users can then navigate to these locations to request a ride, ensuring a smooth experience and allowing them to take advantage of the innovative technology.
The process is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, encouraging both first-time and regular Uber users to explore the benefits of autonomous mobility. By combining real-time location detection with clear guidance on service availability, Uber ensures that passengers can quickly determine whether they are eligible for a self-driving taxi ride and how to reach the nearest pick-up point if necessary. The initiative not only introduces residents to the convenience and safety of autonomous travel but also reinforces Dubai’s vision as a global leader in smart, technology-driven urban mobility.
