A futuristic leap for the capital’s transport scene
Abu Dhabi has taken another decisive step toward the future with the arrival of a fully autonomous robotaxi service, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most forward-thinking capitals. The launch marks a significant milestone in urban mobility, blending artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and regulatory readiness into a real-world transport solution that residents and visitors can already experience.
This new service is not a distant pilot or controlled experiment. It is live, operational, and open to the public, offering completely driverless journeys in everyday settings. For a city that has consistently invested in smart infrastructure and innovation, the introduction of robotaxis feels like a natural yet powerful evolution of its transport ecosystem.
A Landmark Launch on Yas Island
The autonomous ride-hailing service has been officially rolled out on Yas Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s most dynamic destinations. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Baidu, through its autonomous mobility arm Apollo Go, and AutoGo, a locally based specialist in self-driving transport solutions.
This partnership was first announced in March 2025, when both companies revealed plans to build Abu Dhabi’s largest fully driverless fleet. By mid-November 2025, the collaboration reached a critical milestone after securing one of the first permits for fully driverless commercial operations in the emirate. Shortly afterward, a next-phase agreement was signed to scale the fleet to hundreds of autonomous vehicles by 2026.
The speed at which the project moved from announcement to live deployment highlights not only technical readiness but also strong coordination between technology providers and local authorities.
How the Robotaxi Service Works
Using the service is designed to be simple and familiar, mirroring traditional ride-hailing platforms while introducing a completely new driving experience. Residents and visitors can download the AutoGo app on their smartphones and request a ride from designated pick-up zones across Yas Island.
Once booked, the vehicle arrives without a human driver. These robotaxis are powered by advanced AI algorithms, high-definition mapping, radar, lidar, and camera systems that work together to interpret the road environment in real time. Passengers can sit back and enjoy the journey, experiencing firsthand how autonomous technology navigates traffic, pedestrians, and complex road layouts.
For many riders, the absence of a driver is the most striking element. Yet the calm, controlled nature of the ride often becomes the defining takeaway, reinforcing confidence in the technology behind the wheel.
A Vision Backed by Global Expertise
Apollo Go is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading autonomous ride-hailing platforms, with extensive experience operating driverless services at scale. Its entry into Abu Dhabi brings global expertise into a local context, adapted to the city’s infrastructure, traffic patterns, and regulatory framework.
Liang Zhang, Managing Director of EMEA at Baidu Apollo, described the launch as a major achievement, noting that moving from an initial partnership agreement to fully driverless public operations within a few months represents a remarkable milestone. According to him, the rapid execution reflects the technical maturity of Apollo Go, the operational strength of the partnership, and consistent support from local regulatory bodies.
This combination of global technology and local collaboration has been central to turning ambition into reality.
Expanding Beyond Yas Island
While the initial rollout focuses on Yas Island, the long-term vision for the robotaxi service extends far beyond a single location. Baidu and AutoGo have outlined a phased expansion plan that will gradually introduce autonomous services to other key areas across Abu Dhabi.
The next areas slated for deployment include Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, and Saadiyat Island. These locations were strategically selected due to their dense urban layouts, commercial significance, and high visitor traffic.
Over time, the goal is to achieve broader coverage across Abu Dhabi, integrating robotaxis into daily commuting, leisure travel, and business mobility. As the fleet grows and data accumulates, autonomous transport could become a routine part of city life rather than a novelty.
Not the First, but a Powerful Addition
Although this launch represents a major development, Baidu and AutoGo are not the first companies to introduce driverless taxis in the capital. In November 2025, Uber partnered with WeRide to deploy the first fleet of fully autonomous, driverless taxis in Abu Dhabi.
That service allows users to book robotaxis through Uber Comfort, UberX, or a dedicated Autonomous category within the app. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s openness to multiple players in the autonomous mobility space, encouraging competition, innovation, and rapid advancement.
Rather than overlapping redundantly, each service contributes to a broader ecosystem that accelerates learning, public trust, and infrastructure readiness.
Why This Matters for Abu Dhabi
The arrival of robotaxis is about more than convenience or novelty. Autonomous transport aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s long-term goals around sustainability, road safety, and smart city development. Driverless vehicles have the potential to reduce traffic accidents caused by human error, optimise traffic flow, and lower emissions through efficient routing and electric integration.
For residents, this could mean safer roads and more reliable transport options. For visitors, it enhances Abu Dhabi’s image as a city that embraces innovation without compromising comfort or accessibility.
Importantly, these services also provide valuable real-world data that can shape future transport policies, urban planning decisions, and technology investments.
A Glimpse Into Everyday Autonomy
What makes this moment significant is not just the technology itself, but how seamlessly it has been introduced into everyday life. Booking a robotaxi, stepping into a vehicle with no driver, and arriving safely at a destination is no longer a futuristic concept in Abu Dhabi. It is a lived experience.
As autonomous services expand and public familiarity grows, driverless transport is likely to shift from being a headline-grabbing innovation to an expected option on the mobility menu.
Abu Dhabi’s latest robotaxi launch signals confidence, readiness, and ambition. It reflects a city that is not waiting for the future to arrive, but actively building it, one driverless journey at a time.
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