A Dubai autonomous taxi recently went down the wrong side of the road. Learn how the service works, how to book via Apollo Go or Uber, and what it costs.
Key Takeaways
- A recent incident with an autonomous taxi in Dubai showcased both the challenges and safety measures of self-driving vehicles.
- The AI system froze to recalculate after driving on the wrong side, allowing human operators to intervene quickly.
- To book an autonomous taxi in Dubai, use the Apollo Go app or Uber, but check eligibility based on location.
- While taxis operate in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, they do not offer airport transfers and have specific geofenced areas.
- Safety protocols include remote overrides and RTA oversight to manage AI glitches and ensure safe operation.
A recent viral incident involving a Dubai autonomous taxi driving on the wrong side of the road has highlighted both the growing pains and the safety safeguards of the city’s self-driving transport rollout. While the “glitch” caused a temporary standoff with a bus, the vehicle’s AI system immediately froze to recalculate, allowing remote human operators to intervene and steer the cab back onto the correct path within seconds.
The ‘Sidequest’ Moment: When AI Hits a Glitch
The incident, reported by Lovin Dubai, saw a driverless cab pull onto the wrong side of the road before its system hit a “brain freeze.” Rather than continuing the error, the AI stopped the vehicle dead in the middle of the road to recalculate its route, leaving it face-to-face with an oncoming bus.
The situation required passengers to use the in-car emergency button to contact customer service. According to reports, the remote support team responded immediately, overriding the system to get the vehicle safely back on track. This rapid recovery highlights the “human-in-the-loop” safety net that exists to manage technical errors during the commercial rollout.
How to Book and Use Autonomous Taxis in Dubai
Despite the viral glitch, autonomous taxis are a legitimate commercial service in specific parts of the city. If you are looking to try a driverless ride, you cannot simply hail one on the street like a traditional taxi; you must use a compatible digital platform. Driverless Taxis in Dubai: Everything You Need to Know provides a broader overview of the technology, but for immediate booking, follow these steps:
- Apollo Go App: This is the dedicated mobile application for Baidu’s Apollo Go service, which is the first international deployment of the app.
- Uber: You can also access autonomous vehicles through the Uber platform via their technology partner, WeRide. When using Uber, look for the “Autonomous” option, though you may also be matched with an autonomous vehicle through standard UberX or Uber Comfort bookings.
Before confirming your ride, always check the vehicle model and licence plate in the app to ensure it matches the arriving robotaxi. Passenger capacity typically ranges from three to five people, depending on the specific vehicle model.
Cost and Coverage: Where Can You Ride?
It is important to manage expectations regarding where these taxis operate. The service is currently geographically limited and is not a city-wide solution. As of late 2025 and 2026, the practical service areas are restricted to selected parts of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.
If you are planning a trip, keep the following limitations in mind:
- No Airport Transfers: Do not rely on autonomous taxis for transfers to or from Dubai International Airport; the current network does not cover these routes.
- Location-Based Eligibility: Even if you are in a residential area, the booking app will determine if your specific pickup and destination fall within the permitted “geofence.” For example, a trip from Jumeirah to Downtown Dubai may not be eligible for an autonomous ride.
- Pricing: Following updates from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), rides booked via the Apollo Go app in the designated Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim areas have a reported fare of Dh5.
Safety Protocols: Human Backup for AI Brain Freezes
The primary concern for many passengers is whether a “glitch” could lead to an accident. Dubai’s strategy relies on a combination of advanced hardware and remote human oversight. The vehicles use a suite of technologies, including cameras, radar, LiDAR, and high-definition maps, to navigate.
To mitigate the risks of AI errors, the service includes:
- Remote Overrides: As seen in the recent “wrong side of the road” incident, remote support teams can take control of the vehicle to resolve traffic standoffs or navigation errors.
- RTA Oversight: The entire programme is developed under the supervision of the Roads and Transport Authority to ensure compliance with local safety requirements.
- Strategic Goals: This rollout is part of a larger government vision to have 25% of all transport journeys in Dubai be autonomous by 2030.
For more on the future of Dubai transport, see our guide on Dubai’s Flying Taxi Service.
