Abu Dhabi has launched a fleet of driverless robotaxis on Yas Island, offering residents and visitors free rides for a limited time. The Abu Dhabi robotaxi service marks a significant step forward in the emirate's push toward smart mobility and future transport technology. For the first month of operations, passengers can travel between major attractions across Yas Island without paying a fare.
Free Robotaxi Service Now Live on Yas Island
The service is currently operating with five robotaxis managed by AutoGo, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi technology company K2. The vehicles operate at Level 4 autonomy, meaning they can drive themselves without human intervention under specific conditions — no safety driver required.
The rollout is being implemented by Abu Dhabi Mobility (formerly the Integrated Transport Centre), in collaboration with Apollo Go, a subsidiary of Chinese technology giant Baidu. This marks Apollo Go's first fully autonomous ride-hailing service deployed commercially outside China.
Routes and How to Book
The autonomous taxis connect a string of Yas Island's most-visited destinations. Current stops include:
- W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island - Yas Marina - Yas Mall - IKEA Yas Island - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi - Etihad Arena - Yas Park North
Passengers can hail a ride through the AutoGo mobile application, available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Rides are completely free during the inaugural month of operations.
Level 4 Autonomous Technology Explained
The robotaxis operating on Yas Island run at SAE Level 4 autonomy — one step below full autonomy. At this level, the vehicles handle all driving tasks and can respond to unexpected situations within a defined geographic area without any human input. The initiative is supervised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council in Abu Dhabi.
Expansion Plans Across Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Mobility has signalled that the autonomous taxi network will not remain limited to Yas Island. Future expansion phases are expected to bring the driverless service to Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, and Saadiyat Island. Plans also call for deploying hundreds of autonomous vehicles across Abu Dhabi in 2026, which would form one of the largest fully driverless robotaxi fleets in the world outside China.
The Yas Island pilot is the latest move in Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to build a smart transport network powered by autonomous technology — part of its wider vision for a connected, sustainable city of the future.
