The milestone highlights Abu Dhabi’s transition towards cleaner transport and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
Abu Dhabi is making significant progress towards building a more sustainable transport network, with hybrid, electric and other low-emission vehicles now accounting for approximately 99 per cent of the Emirate’s taxi fleet. The fleet comprises more than 6,147 vehicles, highlighting the capital’s growing adoption of cleaner mobility solutions and its efforts to reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
The achievement marks an important step in Abu Dhabi’s transition towards environmentally sustainable transportation, reinforcing its ambition to become a leading global centre for low-carbon mobility.
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), operating under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said its sustainable mobility strategy focuses on increasing the use of clean energy across public transport, expanding smart shared-mobility initiatives and strengthening the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks needed to support the transition.
These measures are designed to create a modern, safe, intelligent and environmentally responsible transport network that improves quality of life while contributing to the Emirate’s long-term economic development.
Working alongside its strategic partners, the centre is rolling out several initiatives to encourage taxi operators to adopt greener vehicles and improve environmental performance across the transport sector. The long-term objective is to transition towards an entirely environmentally friendly taxi fleet in the coming years.
The initiatives also aim to encourage residents and visitors to embrace sustainable transport alternatives, helping to lower carbon emissions and reduce the environmental impact of everyday travel.
Alongside its environmental initiatives, Abu Dhabi is advancing the digital transformation of its taxi services. Passengers can book journeys through the Abu Dhabi Taxi app and other authorised booking platforms. A variety of cashless payment options are also available, including payment terminals, QR codes and approved digital payment services.
Safe and convenient mobility: More than 60 million taxi journeys in 2025
Abu Dhabi’s taxi sector recorded more than 60 million passenger journeys in 2025, demonstrating the scale of demand for public transport services across the Emirate.
Smart bookings accounted for 18 per cent of all taxi reservations, while electronic payment transactions exceeded 38.53 million during the year.
The Integrated Transport Centre operates two key taxi services: Abu Dhabi Taxi and Zayed International Airport Taxi. Together, they provide convenient and reliable transportation across the Emirate, connecting residents and visitors with destinations throughout Abu Dhabi, including passengers arriving at Zayed International Airport.
These services form part of an integrated mobility network that brings together environmental sustainability, operational efficiency and digital innovation to improve the overall passenger experience.
Abu Dhabi Mobility advances its vision for intelligent and sustainable transport
The shift towards a predominantly hybrid and electric taxi fleet represents more than a technological upgrade. It forms part of a wider mobility transformation led by Abu Dhabi Mobility, also known as the Integrated Transport Centre.
Through investments in cleaner vehicles, smart transport services and supporting infrastructure, the Emirate is working towards an integrated green mobility ecosystem that can accommodate its growing population and urban development.
These initiatives also support Abu Dhabi’s broader climate ambitions, including its commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, while positioning sustainable transportation as a key pillar of its long-term development strategy.
How Abu Dhabi is transitioning from conventional taxis to hybrid and fully electric vehicles
1. Driving the transition through strategic planning and partnerships
Abu Dhabi’s progress towards a greener taxi fleet is the result of sustained planning, regulatory initiatives and close cooperation between government entities and private-sector operators.
Regulatory frameworks and policy initiatives: Abu Dhabi Mobility has introduced regulatory measures and incentives to encourage taxi franchise operators to gradually replace conventional petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles with hybrid and fully electric alternatives.
Partnerships with private operators: Taxi franchise companies, including Tawasul and other service providers, have contributed to the transition by entering into agreements with leading hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturers. These partnerships aim to introduce energy-efficient models that can meet the demands of Abu Dhabi’s climate, road conditions and daily transport requirements.
Expansion across different taxi categories: The transition extends beyond standard public taxis to cover several service categories, including family taxis, airport taxis and vehicles specifically designed to serve People of Determination.
2. Environmental and economic benefits: Understanding the impact
Thousands of taxis travel across Abu Dhabi every day, collectively covering millions of kilometres. Replacing conventional combustion engines with hybrid and electric powertrains can therefore deliver substantial environmental and operational benefits.
Hybrid and electric taxis compared with conventional vehicles
The current green fleet (99%)
- Powertrain: Uses electric motors, hybrid technology or a combination of both.
- Energy efficiency: Offers improved fuel efficiency, with regenerative braking technology recovering energy during deceleration and helping reduce overall energy consumption.
- Noise levels: Produces less engine noise, contributing to quieter streets and a more comfortable urban environment.
Conventional vehicles (previous fleet composition)
- Powertrain: Primarily relies on petrol and diesel combustion engines.
- Energy efficiency: Generally consumes more fuel and produces higher exhaust emissions compared with hybrid and fully electric alternatives.
- Noise levels: Conventional engines generate greater operating noise, contributing to urban noise pollution.
Lower operating costs and cleaner urban air
Beyond environmental benefits, the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles is expected to improve long-term operational efficiency and reduce maintenance and running expenses.
Lower fuel consumption and fewer maintenance requirements in certain vehicle categories can help operators manage costs more effectively. Reduced exhaust emissions can also contribute to better air quality across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the wider Al Dhafra Region.
3. Connecting green transport with smart and autonomous mobility
Abu Dhabi’s shift towards hybrid and electric taxis is also supporting the development of a more advanced mobility ecosystem, creating opportunities to integrate cleaner transportation with artificial intelligence, automation and digital technologies.
Autonomous mobility: Alongside its efforts to modernise the taxi fleet, Abu Dhabi has introduced commercial operations involving fully autonomous vehicles through partnerships with international and local companies. These developments are helping advance the integration of artificial intelligence and innovative technologies into the Emirate’s sustainable transport network.
Digital booking and payment platforms: Taxi services are increasingly connected to smart booking applications and digital payment systems. GPS-based tracking and fleet-management technologies help improve vehicle allocation, reduce passenger waiting times and enhance operational efficiency, while offering customers a more convenient booking experience.
4. Improving the experience for drivers and passengers
The transition to hybrid and electric taxis is also changing the everyday travel experience for both passengers and drivers.
A more comfortable passenger experience: Hybrid and electric vehicles generally offer quieter journeys, reduced engine vibrations and a smoother ride. These features can make daily commutes and longer journeys across Abu Dhabi’s urban areas more comfortable.
Improved driving conditions: Drivers can benefit from smoother acceleration, quieter operation and reduced engine noise, particularly when navigating congested roads. Newer vehicle models may also include advanced driver-assistance systems and enhanced safety features.
With approximately 99 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s taxi fleet now comprising hybrid, electric and other low-emission vehicles, the Emirate is making substantial progress towards cleaner public transportation.
The transformation demonstrates how sustainability is becoming an increasingly visible part of everyday life, with residents and visitors experiencing the benefits through the taxis they use across the capital and the wider Emirate.
