Abu Dhabi's Autonomous Taxis Hit the Streets
Abu Dhabi Launches RoboTaxi Trial Run: Autonomous Vehicles Service by 2026
The United Arab Emirates has taken another step towards the future of transportation: the first self-driving RoboTaxi service tests have begun in Abu Dhabi. Autogo, a company specializing in autonomous mobility solutions under Kintsugi Holding, announced that trial runs are already underway within the emirate, with complete rollout expected by 2026.
What can the RoboTaxi do?
The vehicle designated for the trial is the 6th generation RT6 model RoboTaxi, specifically developed for autonomous taxi services. This model is not only safer and smarter but also more comfortable than its predecessors. The RT6 is a fully electric vehicle that, with zero emissions, supports the UAE's environmental goals while also helping to reduce traffic congestion.
The main advantage of autonomous vehicles is their ability to minimize the chances of accidents caused by human errors. Moreover, they operate with advanced artificial intelligence that reacts in real-time to environmental changes, ensuring smooth, precise driving even in busy urban environments.
Partnership for Future Technology
The RoboTaxi trial is being conducted in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), a key player in developing the emirate's transportation strategies. The project's aim is to integrate autonomous transportation solutions within local regulatory frameworks and align them with the long-term goals of infrastructure and the transportation system.
The project also has an international technological background: Autogo is working in strategic partnership with Apollo Go, a subsidiary of China's Baidu and a global leader in autonomous transportation technologies. Apollo Go's vehicle fleet has already covered over 150 million kilometers autonomously and exceeded 10 million completed orders by March 2025. These figures demonstrate significant safety and reliability experience.
Why is this important for Abu Dhabi?
The RoboTaxi trial run is part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to become a smart city and redefine urban transportation. The goal is not only to bring cutting-edge technology to the roads but also to improve residents’ quality of life through a more efficient, safer, and sustainable transportation system.
The successful introduction of the service could mark the beginning of a new era in UAE transportation. In the future, not only Abu Dhabi, but other cities - such as Dubai - could benefit from the advantages of autonomous vehicles, whether for personal transport, logistics, or even revolutionizing public transport.
What can we expect by 2026?
The upcoming years will focus on testing, gathering user feedback, and further developing the technology. Autogo and Apollo Go will jointly evaluate vehicle performance in real traffic conditions while gradually preparing for a broader technology rollout.
The comprehensive deployment planned for 2026 could elevate Abu Dhabi's transportation to a new level, setting a precedent for other cities in the region. The self-driving RoboTaxi is not just a means of transportation but also a vision of the future—a world where technology, sustainability, and safety go hand in hand.
(The article source is an official statement from Autogo, a UAE-based autonomous mobility solutions company under Kintsugi Holding.)
