UAE: 6 times driverless taxis, buses have transported residents and tourists

Driverless vehicles vrooming on roads is not a theoretical concept, at least in the UAE. Over the past few years, the country has successfully rolled out or tested multiple projects that have seen passengers transported safely in vehicles with no one in the driving seat.

And now, Dubai is just months away from launching its first driverless taxi and e-hail services. By 2023, Dubai will be the first city in the world to commercially operate Cruise self-driving vehicles outside the US. Two special Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles (EVs) are studying Dubai streets to create digital maps for the self-driving cabs.

The autonomous vehicle buzz has been around in the country for nearly a decade. Here, we chronicle the country’s successes in operating or testing autonomous vehicles.

1. September 2016: Zoom down Downtown Dubai

This is the first project in the region that demonstrated the safe use of driverless vehicles.

EZ10, a driverless 10-seater car, shuttled along the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai during its trial run. With a top speed of up to 40kmph, the vehicle moved over a 700-metre track, passing through Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, Souk Al Bahar and various hotels.

2. December 2018: Did you spot Dubai’s driverless taxi?

Residents may have spotted the UAE's driverless taxi in action at Dubai Silicon Oasis. Though the cab was not made available to the public, it ran on designated routes during a three-month trial phase.

The driverless cab could run at a top speed of up to 35kmph and accommodate four people, including a driver who could take over the vehicle in case of an emergency.

3. March 2020: A ride into the future at Expo 2020

Expo 2020 Dubai was a hotbed for technological innovations during its six-month run. But long before the event began, the site was the test zone for a driverless vehicle.

The vehicle was used to transport individuals on a dedicated path from the main entrance to staff offices.

Powered by electricity, the vehicle could operate for up to 16 hours and accommodate 15 riders. It had a top speed of 25kmph and was designed to travel in closed and internal public roads.

4. November 2021: Hundreds transported in cabs without cabbies

The vehicle has a maximum speed of 25kmph and can carry up to 15 people. It's equipped with GPS-linked sensors and cameras that help it detect obstacles and prevent accidents.