One of the key authorities overseeing mobility and transport in the emirate, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced the expansion of commercial autonomous taxi operations on Yas Island.
The expansion is being implemented under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council in collaboration with Apollo Go, a subsidiary of Baidu. Autogo, a subsidiary of K2, will serve as the local operator and join the ecosystem as an additional service provider.
The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s gradual expansion strategy for autonomous mobility services, aimed at increasing operator diversity and strengthening operational readiness across the emirate’s smart transport network.
This step follows the successful completion of testing and operational trials on Yas Island, and the transition to commercial operations for Level 4 autonomous taxis. The service is set to expand at a later stage to include Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, and Al Saadiyat Island. The service can be requested through the “AutoGo” smart application, available on the Android and Apple app stores.
ITC affirmed that this expansion reflects its pivotal role in enabling and adopting smart mobility solutions across Abu Dhabi, by providing the necessary regulatory and operational frameworks and ensuring compliance with the highest standards of safety and efficiency. This aligns with the Emirate’s vision of building an integrated, smart, and sustainable transport system.
His Excellency Hamad Adel Al Afeefi, Executive Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Sector at the Integrated Transport Centre, stated: “Welcoming a new operator to the commercial operation of autonomous taxis in the region represents a pivotal step within ITC’s efforts to regulate and develop Abu Dhabi’s smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem. This addition reinforces the Emirate’s position as a leading and attractive destination for advanced technologies and reflects the readiness of the supporting regulatory and operational frameworks for the commercial operation of Level 4 autonomous vehicles, in line with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.”
Waleed Alblooshi, Vice President of Strategy at K2, added: “Commencing operations at the start of the year reflects our focus on implementation and delivering sustainable, long-term impact. Offering free rides at this stage enables the public to experience autonomous mobility as a practical option for everyday life and lays the foundation for the next phase of expansion and organised commercial operations.”
This significant expansion of autonomous mobility services underscores ITC’s ongoing commitment to developing a future-ready transport ecosystem built on innovation, integration, and sustainability. It also reflects ITC’s approach to forging strategic partnerships with leading global companies, supporting the accelerated adoption of smart technologies and delivering a safer, more efficient mobility experience.
