UAE officials announced plans at the AI Everything 2026 summit to deploy thousands of autonomous taxis and delivery vehicles by 2027. The country aims to become the largest deployer of robotaxis outside China, leveraging expansions by Chinese autonomous driving firms including Baidu Apollo Go, Momenta, and WeRide.
Chinese autonomous driving firms, including Baidu Apollo Go, Momenta, and WeRide, are broadening operations in the UAE. The expansion is supported by over 14,500 Chinese commercial licenses in the Emirates and more than $15 billion in bilateral investment. The initiatives focus on integrating autonomous fleets and AI navigation into smart transport grids.
Chinese autonomous driving companies including WeRide, Baidu Apollo Go, and Momenta are expanding commercial robotaxi deployments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The rollouts align with Dubai's goal of making 25 percent of mobility trips driverless. Bilateral cooperation was formalized through a digital economy and AI memorandum of understanding signed by UAE and Chinese ministries.
Chinese autonomous driving firms including WeRide, Baidu Apollo Go, and Momenta are accelerating commercial robotaxi deployments across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These rollouts align with Dubai's 25 percent driverless trip target and follow a bilateral MoU signed by the UAE and China to expand cooperation in digital infrastructure, AI, and smart transportation. Official data also shows over 14,500 Chinese business licenses active in the UAE.
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