Abu Dhabi's Luxury Robotaxi Fleet Launch

Abu Dhabi Launching Luxury Robotaxi Fleet by 2026 – The Future of Autonomous Vehicles in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates consistently looks to the future when it comes to transportation technology. The latest development is linked to the city of Abu Dhabi, where from 2026, a brand new fleet of luxury autonomous robotaxis will appear on the roads. The project will be implemented by Lumo, a national company specializing in intelligent mobility, involving international partners such as Mercedes-Benz and Momenta, which is a leader in developing AI-based autonomous driving solutions.

The Technological Backbone of the Robotaxi Fleet

The planned vehicle fleet is built on exceptional foundations. The robotaxis will be based on Mercedes-Benz's new S-Class models, which will be controlled by Momenta's advanced, so-called L4 level autonomous driving system. The L4 level is one of the highest categories of autonomous driving, capable of navigating without human intervention in specified environments and routes.

This solution is the first luxury robotaxi model built on a mass-produced vehicle platform, intended to be introduced in a scalable way both locally and internationally. The first commercial launch will take place in Abu Dhabi in 2026.

Abu Dhabi: A Pioneer in Autonomous Transportation in the Region

The UAE's capital has previously led the way in the development of autonomous vehicles. Recently, Abu Dhabi became the first city in the MENA region to commence commercial operations of fully autonomous vehicles. After two weeks of closed test rides, the city issued its first operation licenses to two companies: WeRide and AutoGo-K2, which received permission to use their L4 level autonomous vehicles.

This makes Abu Dhabi the first city outside the United States where fully driverless taxis can operate, including collaborations with companies like Uber and WeRide.

Where is the Autonomous Service Currently Available?

Currently, driverless or safety-driver-assisted vehicles are available in the following locations:

Yas Island

Abu Dhabi International Airport

Al Maryah Island

Uber's system automatically orders an autonomous vehicle if the user's stated starting and ending points are within the zones designated by WeRide.

Smart Mobility Developments in Abu Dhabi

In addition to autonomous robotaxis, Abu Dhabi has launched several other developments in intelligent transportation:

TXAI robotaxis – An electric and hybrid robotaxi service around Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Zayed International Airport.

PRT electric capsules – A personal rapid transit system in Masdar City, transporting passengers with small self-driving capsules.

SAVI Cluster – A special zone in Masdar City dedicated to the development and testing of autonomous land, air, and water vehicles.

Dubai Also Joining the Autonomous Future

Naturally, Dubai is not missing out on the developments. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is already in advanced negotiations and has issued testing permits to three major Chinese companies – Baidu Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai. These companies have already begun testing their vehicles on designated roads in Dubai.

The goal is clear: by 2030, 25 percent of all traffic journeys in the city should be smart, i.e., intelligent and autonomous. This endeavor is not only about technological advancement but also about reducing congestion, increasing traffic safety, and making urban life more sustainable.

The Significance of Autonomous Vehicles in Future Cities

Autonomous vehicles – especially those in the luxury category – can revolutionize urban transportation in multiple ways. On one hand, they reduce the number of accidents caused by human error, and on the other hand, they create opportunities for transportation systems to intelligently adapt to traffic, weather conditions, or even special events.

It is also clear that the UAE not only wants to be a technological importer but an active developer in this area. The development cluster created in Masdar City, for example, attracts not only domestic but also international startups and large corporations, making Abu Dhabi a global hub for autonomous mobility.

Conclusion

2026 will mark a new milestone in the history of autonomous transportation in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to the collaboration between Lumo, Mercedes-Benz, and Momenta, Abu Dhabi is elevating autonomous taxi services to a new level – in the luxury category no less. The city is already a front-runner in the introduction of smart mobility solutions and seems intent not only on following but setting trends for autonomous transportation. With its 2030 goals, Dubai meanwhile harbors similar ambitions, ensuring that the entire country remains at the forefront of future transportation globally.

In the UAE, we will soon not only talk about when autonomous vehicles will exist, but how they will transform everyday life – from airport shuttles to urban travel and the entire reimagining of transportation infrastructure.

(The article is based on statements from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).)