The UAE’s automotive sector witnessed a series of notable developments in March, ranging from the launch of autonomous taxis to the completion of new bridges. These updates made headlines in the sector and are among the top UAE auto news from March 2026.
UAE Autos News From March 2026
The latest UAE auto sector news from March 2026 is as follows:
The Taxi and Limousine Online Bookings in Dubai Increased by 12% and 25%
Dubai Taxi served more than 209 million passengers through a registered fleet of 14,476 vehicles in 2025. Ridership increased by 4.2%, while e-hailing accounted for 45% of all taxi trips. The fleet also expanded by 6% with the addition of 600 vehicles, recording a significant growth in 2025. The service quality was maintained throughout the year, with 75% of rides recording an ETA of under 3.5 minutes.
The e-hail limousine also posted notable growth, with trips rising by 25% to reach 41 million and ridership climbing to around 71.4 million passengers. This growth also marked the addition of 35 new limousine companies, bringing the total fleet on the platform to 15,000 vehicles. Service efficiency remained high in this segment as well, with 83% of rides recording an ETA of under 3.5 minutes.
Autonomous Taxi Service Rolled Out in Dubai With Uber and Apollo Go
In line with the RTA’s Self-Driving Transport Vision, autonomous taxi services have been launched in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. The service has been introduced in collaboration with Uber and Apollo Go, with fleet management handled by Tawasul Transport. Initially, 100 autonomous taxis are included, operating through an integrated system powered by AI, advanced sensing technologies and autonomous decision-making systems.
Dubai Completed 13 Cycling Tracks Under Wider 162 km Mobility Plan
Dubai has completed 13 cycling tracks as part of a wider master plan covering 15 tracks with a total length of 162 km. The project includes cycling routes and pedestrian-cycling bridges across major roads, aimed at improving first- and last-mile mobility. These upgrades are designed to strengthen connectivity between major roads and public transport hubs. The initiative also supports Dubai’s long-term plan to expand its cycling network to 1,000 km by 2030.
RTA Became First Middle East Operator to Join Global Bus Benchmarking Group
Marking another achievement, the RTA Dubai has joined the International Bus Benchmarking Group, becoming the first public bus operator in the Middle East to do so. This step reflects its progression from a regional operator to a globally connected mobility authority. Through the group, RTA will gain access to global performance indicators, unified measurement standards, comparative analytics, technical workshops and knowledge exchange platforms.
Licensing Opportunities Expanded for Vehicle Testing Centres in Three Dubai Areas
Dubai has expanded licensing opportunities for vehicle testing and registration centres to three new areas: Deira, Bur Dubai and Mohammed Bin Rashid City. Under this expansion, new centres can be established to improve service accessibility and convenience for users. These facilities will add to the existing network of 29 approved centres across the emirate.
390 Delivery Bikes Impounded in Dubai Over Regulatory Violations
Dubai Police and the RTA carried out joint patrols over three months to ensure that delivery bicycles complied with licensing and regulatory requirements. As a result, more than 390 bicycles were impounded for violations during the patrol. The campaign targeted areas including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Muraqqabat.
Key Road and Infrastructure Developments Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Two new bridges have been inaugurated in Dubai as part of the Al Asayel and Oud Maitha Streets Development Project. The bridges link Al Asayel Street with Al Khail Road via Al Wasl Club Street, helping ease traffic movement towards Business Bay and surrounding areas. The wider project, which is 72% complete, is expected to increase road capacity by 50% and reduce travel time from 20 minutes to 5 minutes.
Abu Dhabi has also opened two marine bridges linking Al Reem Island to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway (E-12). The project is designed to handle up to 7,200 vehicles per hour and is expected to reduce travel time by 60% during peak hours. It also improves connectivity between key areas, including Al Reem Island and Saadiyat Island.
FAQs
What are the key automotive trends in the UAE for 2026?
The UAE automotive market is shifting towards electric vehicles, smart mobility solutions and connected car technologies. Autonomous transport, AI-driven features and sustainable mobility initiatives are also gaining momentum in 2026.
Is it a good time to buy a car in the UAE in 2026?
Yes, with a wide range of new and used car options, competitive pricing and flexible financing plans, 2026 offers a favourable market for buyers.
How is car financing changing in the UAE?
Car financing is becoming easier with flexible down payments, digital approvals and customised plans. Banks and dealers are also offering tailored options for electric and hybrid vehicles to support greener mobility.
There you have it – the top UAE auto news from March 2026. Every development and upgrade reflects the country’s continued focus on smarter infrastructure, advanced mobility and efficient transport systems. Alongside road and infrastructure upgrades, the launch of autonomous taxi services has also drawn notable attention, highlighting the growing role of technology in everyday transport. The trend is also evident in the shifting dynamics of the demand and supply of new and used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay connected to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn about sustainable mobility in the UAE.
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