Dubai Crown Prince Rides Self-Driving Taxi, Clicks Selfie: How Does It Work? Is It Safe For Indian Roads Too?

Dubai has taken a major step towards future travel with the launch of self driving taxis. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, officially started the operations of driverless taxi service developed by Baidu’s Apollo Go. To make the moment special, Sheikh Hamdan himself rode in the taxis to attend the World Governments Summit at Madinat Jumeirah.

Reports suggest that the self-driving taxi service will open to the public in the first quarter of 2026. This project is the result of a partnership between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Baidu. The collaboration began after discussions held during the World Governments Summit in 2025.

Dubai Launches Self Driving Taxi Service

As per

the press release, during the ride, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was given a simple explanation of how the self-driving taxi works. Officials explained that the vehicle uses smart technology and sensors to understand its surroundings. It can see nearby cars, people and signals, and then decide how to move safely on its own.

In a video shared by Sheikh Hamdan on Instagram, he showed the self-driving taxi moving smoothly and taking turns on its own. The clip also captured a sweet moment when the car’s AI assistant asked for a selfie from Your Highness and he happily agreed.

The video posted on Instagram came with the caption, “Hands off. Future on. Self Driving Car.”

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The vehicle is fitted with many sensors, such as cameras, radars and laser tools, which help it see everything around it. The taxi runs on smart software that uses live data and detailed maps to choose the best route. Similar vehicles have already travelled long distances and completed millions of trips in different cities.

The launch event was attended by senior leaders, including Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority.