Ras Al Khaimah extends RoboTaxi trials to Al Dhait South

Ras Al Khaimah has extended its RoboTaxi trials to Al Dhait South, widening a phased evaluation that began with testing on Al Marjan Island in early 2026. The vehicles have travelled more than 21,000 kilometres in testing, generating data on their performance in real-world conditions.

The additional operating area allows the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, RAKTA, to assess autonomous vehicles in a different environment. The data will help authorities evaluate vehicle reliability, operational requirements and readiness for possible integration into the emirate’s broader transport network. No date has been announced for commercial RoboTaxi operations or wider public availability.

The expansion was announced alongside the Oct. 30 unveiling of RAKTA’s autonomous-mobility framework and Autonomous Vehicle Sandbox, a dedicated testing facility. Gulf News reported that the sandbox is designed as an integrated environment where developers can run trials and technical assessments in conditions intended to simulate actual road operations.

The facility will assess vehicle performance, efficiency, safety and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements before further trial stages. RAKTA Director General Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi said the sandbox would combine field testing, technical assessment and specialised expertise. It is also intended to bring together technology companies, researchers, regulators and other industry participants, while attracting international autonomous-mobility businesses.

Ten partnership agreements were signed at the launch with government and institutional bodies, mobility companies, and academic and research organisations. They are intended to support technical assessments, vehicle testing, scientific research and development of operational solutions.

The programme builds on RAKTA’s earlier autonomous-bus work with WeRide. The authority and WeRide launched a RoboBus pilot on Al Marjan Island on Oct. 1, 2025, operating through stations that connected hotels, resorts and major landmarks. At that stage, RAKTA was also conducting autonomous-taxi field trials to identify suitable operating locations and assess infrastructure readiness.

WeRide announced Robotaxi GXR and RoboBus pilots in Ras Al Khaimah the following day. Its Robotaxi served the city centre, while the RoboBus served nine stops on Al Marjan Island. Those initial pilots began with a safety officer onboard, with fully driverless operations dependent on later regulatory approval.