UAE Embraces Driverless Future, Putting Migrant Taxi Drivers at Risk
Summary
The UAE's ambitious plans to make 25% of trips driverless by 2035, with Chinese and U.S. tech giants racing to launch AV fleets backed by government incentives, puts thousands of migrant taxi drivers at risk of displacement without adequate support systems or retraining options.
Key Points
- The UAE plans to make at least 25% of trips in Dubai and Abu Dhabi driverless over the next decade and a half.
- Chinese and U.S. tech companies including WeRide, Baidu, Uber, and Pony.ai race to launch AV fleets in the region, backed by government incentives.
- The shift threatens to displace thousands of migrant taxi drivers, many of whom lack support systems, retraining options, or awareness of the looming disruption.