Watch: Driverless taxis take to Abu Dhabi roads

Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transports has rolled out the region's first fully autonomous and environmentally friendly taxi service.

Txai, the pilot project for the new technology, was launched on November 23 at the Abu Dhabi Smart City Summit, with trials starting at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

In a new video released by the authorities on Twitter, the taxis can be seen plying on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island and testing the pilot service. The taxis, equipped with hi-tech navigating tools, stir around the main roads without any manual help.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport partnered with Bayanat, part of the G42 group, to lead the trial use of autonomous vehicles.

Phase one will see five TXAI branded vehicles operating on Yas Island, transporting passengers between nine stops that include hotels, restaurants, shopping malls & offices.

Phase two will include more TXAI vehicles in multiple locations across Abu Dhabi. Although the vehicles are driverless, a safety officer will be present in the driving seat during the trial phase.

“The first phase of the high-tech project will feature three electric and two hybrid self-driving vehicles providing free transport services from hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and offices at Yas Mall,” he said.