Dubai is set to take another major step toward its smart mobility ambitions, with autonomous taxis expected to begin operating as early as March, according to the CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC).
Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi confirmed that DTC will soon sign a deal with “one of the biggest operators,” marking the company’s first official autonomous taxi trip in its history. While details of the partner have not yet been disclosed, the rollout is expected to begin with 50 to 100 vehicles operating across three to four high-density zones in Dubai.
Initial Rollout: Driver-Assisted Before Full Autonomy
The first phase will include safety drivers onboard, with a gradual transition toward fully driverless operations. Deployment is likely to focus on key areas such as Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and near the Burj Khalifa — high-traffic districts ideal for early-stage autonomous testing.
The move follows Dubai’s broader smart transport strategy under the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which owns DTC as a subsidiary. Operational expenses for the autonomous taxi program will be shared between DTC and its technology partner.
Earlier this year, Dubai granted its first permit for fully driverless vehicle testing to Apollo Go, the autonomous ride-hailing platform backed by Baidu. The approval signaled Dubai’s intent to position itself among global leaders in autonomous mobility.
Meanwhile, BYD Group is also exploring entry into the UAE’s autonomous mobility sector as part of its global expansion strategy.
Part of a Broader Mobility Transformation
The autonomous taxi initiative complements a wave of transport innovation projects in Dubai, including the Dubai Loop — a $680 million underground electric transit system — and ongoing discussions with California-based Glydways on deploying dedicated-lane autonomous electric vehicles.
Financially, DTC continues to demonstrate strong performance:
- Net profit (2025): AED 356.1 million ($97 million), up 7% year-on-year
- Revenue (2025): AED 2.47 billion, up 13%
- Fleet size: 6,217 taxis (including 525 fully electric vehicles)
- Workforce: 20,000+
- Trips completed (2025): 53 million (+8% YoY)
- E-hailing trips: 20.8 million (+24% YoY)
In 2024, DTC signed a 20-year agreement with global mobility platform Bolt to launch e-hailing services in Dubai. Expansion into Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman is planned for this year, alongside potential new verticals such as rent-a-car and last-mile delivery services.
Dubai Investment Fund holds a 75% stake in DTC. Shares were trading at AED 2.76 on Tuesday morning, up 7% year-to-date.
With autonomous taxis moving from pilot to public roads, Dubai is accelerating toward its ambition of becoming one of the world’s most advanced smart mobility ecosystems — a development closely watched across the GCC and broader MENA region.
Source: AGBI
