Abu Dhabi Leads MENA with 44 Self-Driving Taxis in Operation
Abu Dhabi has officially become the first city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to commercially operate autonomous vehicles, marking a major milestone in the region’s smart mobility evolution. With 44 self-driving cars in Abu Dhabi now actively serving key urban zones, the emirate is setting a precedent for AI-powered transport across the region.
Largest Autonomous Fleet in MENA: 44 Vehicles and Growing
As of July 2025, Abu Dhabi’s autonomous taxi fleet has tripled in size since its launch on the Uber platform in December 2024. The current fleet of 44 vehicles represents the largest active deployment of autonomous taxis in the MENA region. These vehicles operate across high-demand areas including Al Saadiyat, Yas, Al Reem, and Al Maryah Islands, as well as routes to Zayed International Airport.
This expansion is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader smart transport strategy, which aims to make 25% of all trips in the emirate rely on smart transport by 2040.
Al Reem & Al Maryah: High-Density Testbeds for AV Tech
The latest rollout of self-driving taxis in Abu Dhabi targets Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands, two of the city’s most densely populated and commercially vital districts. These areas feature complex traffic patterns and high vehicle density, making them ideal environments to showcase the capabilities of autonomous driving technology.
The deployment is designed not only to meet rising demand for reliable urban mobility but also to demonstrate the safety, efficiency, and scalability of autonomous systems in real-world conditions.
Strategic Partnerships Power Abu Dhabi’s AV Ecosystem
Abu Dhabi’s success in autonomous mobility is underpinned by strategic collaborations with global technology leaders. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) has partnered with WeRide, Uber, Space42, and Tawasul Transport to deliver a robust and scalable autonomous taxi network.
WeRide, in particular, operates its largest fleet outside the U.S. and China in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a global hub for mobility innovation. These partnerships have enabled rapid fleet expansion, seamless integration with ride-hailing platforms, and continuous technological refinement.
Abu Dhabi Smart Transport Goals: 25% of Trips by 2040
The commercial operation of self-driving cars in Abu Dhabi is a key component of the emirate’s long-term vision for sustainable urban development. By 2040, Abu Dhabi aims for one in four trips to be powered by smart transport solutions. This includes autonomous taxis, electric vehicles, and integrated public transport systems.
The initiative reflects a commitment to reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and improving the overall quality of life for residents and visitors. It also positions Abu Dhabi as a model for other MENA cities seeking to modernize their transport infrastructure through AI and automation.
