The future is here. Dubai is quite famous among locals and tourists for its futuristic projects. This time, driverless taxis are making the headlines. Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has just launched driverless taxi in Dubai’s Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah (counted among the busiest coastal districts in the city, explored by thousands of tourists each year).
But are these autonomous taxis safe? Do they abide by strict safety and operational standards? Do they cost a lot or are they budget-friendly?
If you have these questions, you are not alone. These are some of the most common questions a person is likely to have. There is every reason to be sceptical. But please keep in mind that Dubai takes the concept of safety really seriously. You are ensured a safe and pleasant journey on these driverless taxis. Plus, they are optimally priced to not burn a hole in your pockets. Let’s understand the entire scenario step by step.
Is it Safe to Book a Driverless Taxi in Dubai?
Yes. Before the public launch just days earlier, the driverless taxis in Dubai had been going through some extensive testing on designated roads. This has been done to guage the performance and readiness of these autonomous taxis.
Therefore, you do not need to be sceptical about booking the rides. For this project, RTA Dubai and autonomous driving companies Apollo Go & WeRide have joined hands. You can use dedicated apps to book your ride, pay a reasonable fee for the journey, and sit back and relax throughout the experience as the vehicles navigates real traffic conditions like a pro.
How to Book Dubai Driverless Taxis from RTA?
RTA has kept the process quite simple. You can book your driverless taxi in Dubai through the Uber app or the Apollo Go app. Please keep in mind that the services are currently accessible in the Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah areas only.
You can book WeRide’s taxis through Uber. Apollo Go is a subsidiary of the Chinese tech company Baidu and its taxis can be booked on its app itself. Sufficient trials have already been done to ensure the taxis can navigate real traffic conditions in Dubai and keep you safe at the same time. You are not going to be disappointed.
How Much does a Driverless Taxi in Dubai Cost?
Prices are kept reasonable in order to help the maximum number of people use these taxis. If you checked our dedicated Instagram reel for this update, you can see that our team members have already experienced the service in-person.
Our team booked a ride from Umm Suqeim to Kite Beach. The booking is quite simple and the bill came to around AED 35. It is a reasonable amount, considering the distance and the experience. For the time being, these autonomous taxis are catering to the needs of passengers in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah only. But since these are some of the best coastal areas in Dubai, you can find a range of amazing things to do in Dubai here, such as exploring the beaches, checking out some fancy restaurants, and checking into a hotel or resort.
What are the Benefits of Using Driverless Taxis in Dubai?
If you are an introvert, these taxis are perfect for you. But then again, there is more than just one benefit of booking a driverless taxi in Dubai. These are safe, affordable and on time. Traffic conditions may get you delayed, but on an overall basis, these taxis do not diddle-daddle.
- Strict safety standards
- Sturdy operational standards
- Capability to handle complex urban traffic conditions, including pedestrians and intersections
- Not super expensive
- Easy booking on Uber app or Apollo Go app
- Option to open your taxi’s door and start your ride from the app itself
- Lesser accidents
- Lesser traffic
- Reduction in emissions
Basically, call it a complete package. RTA has done a great thing by finally launching driverless taxis in Dubai. The ultimate plan is for the Emirate to have 4,000 autonomous taxis on the roads. This service is reliable, affordable and comfortable. You get to open your taxi’s door and start your ride with a single tap on your mobile phone. Isn’t it interesting? The future is already here and it is time for us to embrace it.
