Abu Dhabi expands autonomous taxi services to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands

Abu Dhabi: As part of its wider smart mobility strategy, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has announced the expansion of autonomous taxi services to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands.

The move is a collaboration with global autonomous driving leader WeRide, ride-hailing platform Uber, and local operator Tawasul Transport.

The initiative forms part of the broader objectives of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) to advance Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for intelligent transport. It supports the emirate’s strategic aim to ensure 25% of all journeys rely on smart mobility solutions by 2040.

With the inclusion of Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands — two densely populated urban centres known for their commercial, residential, and financial significance — Abu Dhabi’s autonomous taxi services now cover roughly half of the capital’s key areas.

These districts, with their complex traffic flows and high demand for mobility, offer the ideal environment to showcase the capabilities of WeRide’s autonomous driving technology.

The launch builds on previous deployments of autonomous taxis on Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and routes servicing Zayed International Airport. Since the service became available on the Uber platform in December 2024, the fleet has tripled in size.

The ITC has confirmed plans to expand the service further across Abu Dhabi Island, enhancing network coverage and moving closer to full-scale commercial operations.

Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, described the expansion as a “milestone” in the capital’s smart mobility journey.

“Building on the success of our previous initiatives, we are now moving into more complex, high-traffic areas to deliver safer and more efficient transport options. This reflects our commitment to providing innovative, sustainable solutions that improve residents’ quality of life.”

By integrating artificial intelligence with smart mobility systems, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its role as a leader in regional urban innovation. The approach combines diverse transport modes and cutting-edge technologies to create an intelligent, efficient, and community-focused network.

The latest phase not only answers growing demand for accessible and dependable transport but also supports the emirate’s long-term sustainability goals. The strategic partnership with global and local players underlines Abu Dhabi’s drive to shape the future of mobility through innovation and public-private cooperation.

With continuous development and fleet expansion underway, Abu Dhabi’s autonomous transport initiative is paving the way for a next-generation mobility ecosystem — one that prioritises safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.