United Arab Emirates and Singapore Roll Out Driverless Taxis via Uber and Grab

Digital nomads in Dubai and Singapore can now hail autonomous rides directly through their favorite apps. Following successful trials, WeRide has officially integrated its driverless fleet into the Uber platform in the UAE and the Grab app in Singapore.

In Dubai, the service is currently available in the Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim districts. These "GXR" robotaxis operate without any human onboard, providing a fully automated experience for travelers moving through these high-traffic coastal areas. Meanwhile, Singapore has launched its "Ai.R" service in the Punggol district, utilizing both robotaxis and larger Robobuses to connect residential zones with transport hubs.

Who can use the service

This rollout specifically targets residents, expats, and travelers who frequent tourist-heavy or tech-forward neighborhoods. It is a major win for digital nomads who rely on reliable, app-based transport to navigate new cities without the language barriers or price negotiations sometimes found with traditional taxis.

The expansion is part of a broader push by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai to automate 25% of all journeys by 2030, while Singapore aims to have up to 150 autonomous vehicles on the road by the end of the year.

How to book a ride

The process is designed to be seamless for anyone already using these apps:

• In Dubai: Open the Uber app and look for the "Autonomous" vehicle option. Rides are charged at standard commercial fares.
• In Singapore: Users must first register at rideair.ai. Rides are currently free during this initial phase, which runs on weekdays between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM.
• Safety: While Dubai's units are fully driverless, Singapore’s current phase includes trained safety operators onboard to monitor the technology.

Check our latest nomad news for more updates on tech-friendly destinations.

Read our full United Arab Emirates, Singapore guide for the complete picture.