Driverless boats in the UAE (abra, water taxi, patrol boat)
TestingDubai · Abu Dhabi
In May 2023 the RTA began trials of a self-driving electric abra on Dubai Creek between Al Jaddaf and Festival City, with a captain on board who only supervises. The Dubai Autonomous Transport Zone plan adds 10 km of waterways for roboboats and autonomous abras. In Abu Dhabi, partners plan autonomous water taxis to the islands, and the ITC has trialled a 7 m autonomous boat for marine safety in 2026.
A self-driving abra and a driverless shuttle at Dubai Creek Harbour
Where it runs
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The vehicle
RTA autonomous electric abra
Small electric abra on the Al Jaddaf to Festival City crossing with a captain who supervises
Autonomous safety boat (Abu Dhabi)
Small boat with no crew, run from a shore control room; trials reported near Saadiyat
Press only
Facts and sources
Dubai, autonomous abra routeAl Jaddaf station to Festival City station on Dubai Creek
Dubai, autonomous abra specs8 passengers; up to 7 knots on two electric motors; about 7 hours from four lithium batteries; running and upkeep costs about 30% lower than diesel abras
Dubai, level of automationLevel 4 of 6; the captain on board only supervises
Dubai, builderBuilt at RTA's Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre
Dubai, next steps statedAutomated anchoring, Level 5, and rules with the Dubai Maritime City Authority. No passenger service date given
Dubai, zone plan10 km of waterways for roboboats and autonomous abras in the Dubai Autonomous Transport Zone
Abu Dhabi, water taxisTII, ASPIRE and Maqta Gateway agree to develop autonomous water taxis to carry people from Abu Dhabi to nearby islands; no date
Abu Dhabi, autonomous boat trialITC trial of a 7 m autonomous boat for marine safety, enforcement and monitoring, with SASC, ADIO, Blue Gulf Group and Abu Dhabi Maritime; no passengers
