DiDi Autonomous Driving has started fully driverless passenger trials for its next-generation DiDi Robotaxi R2 in China, ahead of planned testing in the UAE later this year. The company says the purpose-built vehicle has moved from technology validation into real-world passenger operations.
DiDi Robotaxi R2 starts passenger trials in China
The R2 is jointly developed by DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion. It has 33 sensors, including LiDAR, cameras, 4D millimetre-wave radar, infrared cameras and audio sensors. Its triple-domain computing platform delivers more than 2,000 TOPS of GPU power, according to the company’s release.
DiDi says the R2 entered regular public-road testing after delivery in January 2026. The company began round-the-clock fully driverless passenger testing in selected areas of Guangzhou and Beijing during the fourth quarter of 2025. It claims more than 2,200 consecutive days of safe operations, although that figure covers the wider DiDi Autonomous Driving operation rather than the R2 alone.
The cabin is designed for passenger use, with adjustable rear seats, a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted screen and voice controls for the air conditioning, windows, ambient lighting, PIN verification and trip start. The vehicle platform also meets five-star safety standards in China and Europe, the release says.
When will DiDi test robotaxis in the UAE?
The UAE is planned as DiDi Autonomous Driving’s first international market. The company said in April that it was working with local partners on robotaxi applications, with testing and pilot initiatives planned within 2026. Its partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office supports work around Abu Dhabi’s SAVI smart-mobility cluster.
There is no announced UAE launch date, fare or public booking system for the R2. DiDi’s plans arrive as Dubai’s own robotaxi programme reports more than four million autonomous kilometres, 7,613 passenger trips and a 97% customer satisfaction rate, according to the Dubai Government Media Office. The programme has 144 vehicles, with 48 in active operation.
DiDi’s UAE work follows other autonomous-mobility partnerships in the country, including the network covered in our report on driverless taxis in Abu Dhabi.
What is the DiDi Robotaxi R2?
The DiDi Robotaxi R2 is a purpose-built autonomous passenger vehicle jointly developed by DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion.
Can passengers book a DiDi Robotaxi R2 in the UAE?
No. DiDi has announced planned UAE testing in 2026, but it has not announced a public booking service, launch date or fare.
