Self-Driving Taxis Transform Abu Dhabi Islands

Self-Driving Taxis Now on Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands - Abu Dhabi's Smart Transportation Future Takes Shape

Abu Dhabi has taken another step towards becoming the city of the future: self-driving taxis are now available on Al Reem and Al Maryah islands. The expansion of the service was announced by Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), following the successful introduction of autonomous vehicles on Saadiyat and Yas islands. The system later connected to Zayed International Airport, allowing for the gradual extension of the intelligent transportation infrastructure.

Smart Mobility in Practice

The introduction of autonomous taxis is part of Abu Dhabi's strategic goal, which envisions that by 2040, 25% of transportation will be based on intelligent, partially or fully autonomous systems. The service, based on WeRide technology, can be accessed via the Uber platform, with local operations run by Tawasul Transport.

The first cars appeared in the Uber app in December 2024, and since then, the fleet size has tripled. This rapid growth clearly indicates the increasing demand for autonomous transportation and the public's openness to new technologies.

Why Is This Development Important?

Self-driving taxis are not only technological curiosities but also key players in Abu Dhabi's sustainable future. The system's objectives include:

Improving transport efficiency: Algorithms optimize routes, reducing traffic congestion and wait times.

Reducing environmental impact: Self-driving vehicles are often electric or hybrid-powered, helping reduce the city's carbon footprint.

Increasing safety: Advanced sensors and artificial intelligence can reduce the number of accidents caused by human errors.

Enhancing tourism and business experiences: The modern transportation experience makes the city more attractive to visitors and investors.

How Does the Self-Driving Taxi Service Work?

In the current system, passengers can order an autonomous taxi via the Uber app. The cars operate in predetermined zones, and although they are fully autonomous, most vehicles currently have a safety supervisor present who can intervene if necessary. In the future, this role may be entirely eliminated as technology and legal frameworks permit.

Future Routes

The next step is to extend the service to other parts of Abu Dhabi Island. AD Mobility aims for broader coverage to allow more residents to benefit from smart transportation.

This initiative aligns well with the UAE's long-term vision of achieving a livable, innovative urban model through the combination of technology and sustainability.

(Source of the article: Announcement by Abu Dhabi Mobility.)