Abu Dhabi’s taxi fleet reaches 99% green vehicles, marking sustainability milestone
Abu Dhabi has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable transport, with approximately 99 per cent of the emirate’s taxi fleet now made up of low-emission hybrid and fully electric vehicles. The fleet totals more than 6,147 vehicles, according to the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), which is part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
The transition places Abu Dhabi among the world’s leading cities in shifting public transport toward lower carbon emissions, the ITC said. The milestone reflects the emirate’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the adoption of environmentally friendly mobility solutions.
A milestone for sustainable mobility
The ITC’s sustainable transport strategy focuses on expanding clean energy use across public transport, developing smart shared-mobility projects, and strengthening supporting infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The goal is to establish a modern, safe, intelligent and sustainable transport system that enhances quality of life and supports sustainable economic development across the emirate.
In partnership with franchise operators, the centre is implementing initiatives to encourage vehicle operators to boost environmental sustainability in the transport sector, aiming for a fully green fleet in the coming years. Community members are also being encouraged to adopt sustainable transport options that help reduce carbon emissions.
Partnerships and regulatory frameworks
The achievement results from long-term strategic planning and collaboration between the public and private sectors, the ITC said. Regulatory frameworks and incentives have been introduced to encourage taxi franchise companies — including Tawasul and other service providers — to gradually switch from conventional fuel-powered vehicles to hybrid and fully electric alternatives.
Franchise operators have signed agreements with leading manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles to equip their fleets with models suited to local operating conditions. The transition covers various taxi categories: standard public taxis, family taxis, airport taxis, and vehicles for People of Determination.
The taxi sector recorded more than 60 million passenger journeys in 2025, with smart bookings accounting for 18 per cent of total bookings. Electronic payment transactions exceeded 38.53 million.
Environmental and economic benefits
With thousands of taxis operating daily across Abu Dhabi, the shift from conventional petrol and diesel engines to hybrid and electric powertrains delivers a tangible environmental impact. The green fleet offers improved energy efficiency through regenerative braking systems, quieter mobility that reduces noise pollution, and lower carbon emissions.
Operationally, the strategy is expected to reduce long-term maintenance and operating costs while helping protect air quality in busy urban areas of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra Region.
Integration with smart and autonomous mobility
The move to hybrid and electric vehicles also lays the groundwork for future mobility projects. Abu Dhabi has begun commercial operations of fully autonomous vehicles with advanced self-driving capabilities, in partnership with international and local companies, integrating artificial intelligence with green mobility solutions.
The taxi fleet has been integrated with smart booking applications and digital payment options, including the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, payment terminals, QR codes, and approved digital payment solutions. These systems improve customer experience, reduce waiting times, and enhance operational efficiency through GPS-based tracking and management.
What drivers and passengers experience
Passengers in Abu Dhabi report that hybrid and electric taxis offer quieter, more comfortable journeys with reduced vibrations and noise. Drivers appreciate the smoother driving experience, especially in congested traffic, and the availability of advanced driver-assistance and safety technologies in newer models.
The ITC operates two services: Abu Dhabi Taxi and Zayed International Airport Taxi, providing safe and reliable transport across the emirate and connecting passengers and visitors arriving at the airport to destinations throughout Abu Dhabi. Together, these services form part of an integrated system combining sustainability, operational efficiency, and digital transformation.
With approximately 99 per cent of its taxi fleet now green, Abu Dhabi is demonstrating that environmental sustainability is not merely a future ambition but an everyday reality experienced by residents and visitors on every journey across the capital.
