Dubai's Bold Self-Driving Taxi Adventure

Self-Driving Taxis and Free Massages: Dawn of Dubai's New Mobility Era

The future has arrived on the streets of Dubai – and it is becoming increasingly tangible. Autonomous transportation, previously seen only at technology exhibits, can now be seen on Jumeirah Road through one of the newest innovations: the Apollo Go self-driving taxi developed by Baidu. It promises a safe and comfortable journey with a touch of luxury, such as three different massage programs built into the rear seats.

This innovation is part of a pilot program launched by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with three Chinese companies – Pony.ai, WeRide, and Apollo Go. The test operation of the self-driving taxis is currently being conducted in designated areas, including the neighborhoods of Jumeirah, Zabeel, and Dubai Festival City.

Four kilometers of futuristic experience

The latest trial run took place over a four-kilometer stretch in the Jumeirah area. Starting from the parking lot of Jumeirah Mosque, the Apollo Go taxi began its journey during the pleasant midday hours, amidst moderate traffic. The electric vehicle reached speeds of up to 72 km/h, smoothly shifting lanes and executing U-turns – all with minimal human intervention. Although a safety driver is still present for now, the plan is for the commercial operation, expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025, to be completely driverless.

Massage function as part of the journey

What truly makes the experience special is the integrated massage system in the rear seats. Passengers can choose from three different intensities and styles: wave mode runs along the spine from bottom to top, butterfly mode offers alternating left-right vibrations, and catwalk mode provides a playful, light sensation. In China, these functions are voice-controlled, but in Dubai, they are currently activated manually through a control panel built into the seats.

How to book?

As of now, there is no publicly available online booking platform for Apollo Go. It is expected that using the service will be similar to minute-based car rentals: entering the vehicle with a PIN code instead of a key. The interior is spacious but the system does not allow more than three passengers, as the 'driver’s seat' is not available to people – a safety officer occupies it during the test period.

The journey begins only once all seat belts are secured – after which the system initiates the ride.

Technology and safety hand in hand

Apollo Go is currently testing 50 RT6-type, sixth-generation vehicles in Dubai. These vehicles aren't just 'smart': equipped with 1,200 TOPS (tera operations per second) of computing capacity and a total of 38 sensors (including 8 LiDARs and 12 cameras), they provide complete environmental sensing. There are also four cameras inside the passenger cabin, allowing the system to monitor both external and internal events.

Manufactured by Jiangling Motors in China, these vehicles require no hardware modification – only software and algorithm adjustments tailored to the UAE's unique traffic conditions, such as the frequent presence of roundabouts.

Uncertainty and amazement at once

Initial experiences have evoked mixed feelings. Although the self-driving technology seemed reliable, some passengers during test runs found it strange to witness the steering wheel turning autonomously and the vehicle executing swift U-turns. There was an incident where the taxi changed lanes behind a suddenly halted car, potentially risking a collision with an opening car door – these are aspects still under algorithm refinement.

Experts suggest that more prominent visual signals should be on the vehicles to make it easier for other road users to recognize them as self-driving cars.

The goal: 25 percent self-driving traffic by 2030

Dubai is not merely experimenting – it is working with specific plans and deadlines to make 25 percent of the city's traffic intelligent and driverless by 2030. The goal is strategic, not just technological: automated transportation could optimize traffic networks, reduce congestion and accidents, while enhancing travel experiences and safety.

Self-driving vehicles can communicate with each other, constantly update route planning, and avoid human errors, such as failing to observe safe following distances or correct lane changes. This promises safer and smoother urban transportation in the long run.

What does the future hold?

The Apollo Go project is a step towards building trust in self-driving systems. The massage function and comfort features aren't merely technological tricks – they elevate the passenger experience to a new level. That Dubai is the first city outside China to implement Apollo Go demonstrates the emirate's commitment to innovation and smart city development.

In the coming years, thousands of new, fully autonomous vehicles can be expected to be introduced in the UAE, which may not only transform transportation but also change the entire dynamic of urban life.

One thing is certain: anyone getting into a taxi in Dubai soon won't just find the destination to be an experience, but the journey itself will be – spiced up with a bit of massage.

(Source: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) statement.)