Cruise begins mapping Dubai’s streets in preparation for the launch of a robotaxi in 2023

According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Cruise has sent two of its autonomous Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles to Dubai to begin mapping the city in preparation for a planned launch in 2023, just a few weeks after the General Motors-backed AV company officially launched its commercial driverless operations in San Francisco (RTA).

Cruise signed a partnership agreement with the RTA in April to launch a robotaxi service in Dubai as part of UAE ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to convert 25% of total transportation trips in Dubai to self-driving trips by 2030. Cruise was chosen as Dubai’s exclusive robotaxi provider until 2029 after a “comprehensive, multi-year process to select the best possible partner.”