Uber Launches Autonomous Robotaxi Services in Zagreb and Dubai

Uber Technologies, Inc. expanded its global autonomous vehicle footprint with two major launches on August 19 and 20, 2026. In Zagreb, Croatia, the company partnered with Pony AI Inc. and Verne to introduce the first autonomous rides available through the Uber app in Europe. The service utilizes Pony AI's Gen-7 Robotaxi technology, with Verne serving as the fleet owner and operator. Currently available in the city center via UberX and Comfort options, the Zagreb service requires a licensed operator to remain behind the wheel for monitoring during its phased introduction.

Uber and its partners plan to scale the European model to four additional cities, with Pony AI and Uber targeting a fleet of 2,000 additional robotaxis. Uber stated that autonomous and human drivers will coexist for the foreseeable future.

Simultaneously, Uber launched fully driverless robotaxi services in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, through a partnership with Baidu. This deployment uses Baidu's Apollo Go RT6 electric vehicles, which are equipped with over 30 sensors. The Dubai service is limited to the Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim areas, specifically between the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Mosque. Passengers can select an Autonomous option in the app, though some UberX and Comfort requests may be automatically matched with a robotaxi. This follows a previous 2024 launch in Abu Dhabi with WeRide.