Driverless Taxi Service Launches on Yas Island With Free Rides

A driverless taxi service has begun operating on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, with five autonomous vehicles running along fixed routes and offering free rides during the first month of service.
The taxis are operated by AutoGo, a unit of Abu Dhabi technology company K2. Trips can be booked through the AutoGo mobile application available on Android and Apple devices.
The initial service connects several locations across Yas Island, including W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas Park North, Yas Marina, Yas Mall, IKEA Yas Island, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Etihad Arena.
AutoGo is operating the service in partnership with Apollo Go, a subsidiary of Baidu, following earlier trials of autonomous vehicles on Yas Island.
According to officials from the Integrated Transport Centre, the rollout reflects ongoing efforts to develop Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility infrastructure and regulate the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles. Authorities noted that regulatory and operational frameworks are now in place to support Level 4 autonomous vehicle operations under safety and efficiency standards.
The launch adds to other driverless mobility initiatives introduced in Abu Dhabi in recent years. Autonomous robotaxi services using vehicles developed by WeRide have also been introduced on the Uber platform following earlier trials, marking Abu Dhabi as the first city outside the United States to host fully driverless robotaxi services on Uber’s network.
AutoGo stated that the service is expected to expand beyond Yas Island in the future, with planned coverage for Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island and Al Saadiyat Island as the autonomous transport network develops.