Dubai will start starting taxi tests before a public launch of the service in 2026.
The Highway and Transportation Authority (RTA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Baidu Apollo’s autonomous service to implement large -scale autonomous taxis through the Emirate.
The company will begin the experimental operation of 50 autonomous vehicles in the coming months, raiding the way for the official public launch of the service in 2026.
Dubai Autonomous Taxis
According to the terms of the Mou, Baidu’s Apollo will also implement the sixth generation of its RT6 autonomous taxis, specifically designed for autonomous mobility services.
These vehicles are equipped with 40 sensors and detectors to guarantee the highest automation and safety standards.
This model has already achieved remarkable success and has obtained a generalized acclaimed of users in China.
The collection and data test phase will begin with 50 vehicles in the coming months, gradually expanding to 1,000 autonomous taxis in the next three years, in accordance with the established efficiency and quality of service standards.
This launch marks the first international expansion of Apollo Go in the test and operation of autonomous vehicles outside Continental and Hong Kong.
To date, the company has registered more than 150 million kilometers of safe driving, which allows large -scale autonomous taxi services in multiple cities in China, in addition to the 100 percent list of driangss operations.
It has also completed more than 10 million autonomous trips, which makes it the largest operator in the world or autonomous vehicle fleets.
Mattar Al Tayer, general director, president of the Board of Executive Directors of the Highway and Transportation Authority (RTA) expressed his pleasure in signing the Mou with the Apollo Go de Baidu, Pieers of the first autonomous taxis service in China.
The company also leads efforts to integrate artificial intelligence, great data and automation technologies to shape the intelligent cities of the future.
Al Tayer said: “This MOU is aligned with the directives of our leadership to strengthen associations with global entities and leaders, positioning the Emirate at the forefront of the implementation of advanced and sustainable transport solutions.
“Its objective is to raise avant -garde technologies and promote the adoption of innovative mobility solutions.
“The Mou marks a fundamental step towards the realization of the Dubai Smart Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which aims to convert 25 percent of all trips in Dubai to autonomous trips into several modes of transport by 2030.
“It is also based on the RTA in the RTA efforts on efforts to perform operational evidence of vehicles and autonomous units, a process that began in 2016.”
To Tayer added: “The transport of autonomous driving has become a reality, with global companies that accelerate the development of the necessary technology and software. Simultaneously, governments, represented by the relevant authorities, which develop the possession infrastructure and the establishment of the rules and regulations that govern their use.
“RTA undertakes to improve Dubai’s global leadership in autonomous mobility by trying various types of autonomous vehicles, aerial taxis and marine transport, with the ultimate goal of achieving the objectives of Dubai’s intelligent self -romzization strategy.”
RTA signs Mou with the Baidu Apollo Go Transportation Service, a world leader in autonomous transport solutions, to implement large -scale autonomous taxis throughout the Emirate. The company will begin the experimental operation of 50 autonomous vehicles in the next … pic.twitter.com/zypeakipi9
– Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 20, 2025
Halton Niu, general manager of business abroad in Baidu IDG, said: “Collaboration with RTA not only demonstrates the proactive hug of Dubai of innovative technology, but also contributes to the objective of the EAU to become a global leadership.
“Apollo Go is dedicated to offering safe, sustainable and efficient intelligent mobility services to cities around the world. When working closely with local partners, our goal is to develop transformative transport solutions and boost progress.”
Liang Zhang, general manager of business abroad, Mena, Baidu IDG, said: “Our association with RTA marks the most significant international expansion of Apollo Go beyond China to date. This collaboration underlines the unwavering Dubai intensity that covers its innovation.”
Ahmed Bahrozyan ,, CEO of Public Transport Agency, Said: “Self-Driving Transport Will Improve The Quality of Life for All Segments of Society, Offering Freedom of Movement to Those Who Are Currently Unable To Drive, Such As Children and Elderdren and Elderdren And Elderdren And Elderdren And Elderdren And Elderdren And Elderdren And Elder. and Elderdren and Elderdren and Elderdren and Elderdren and Elderdren and Elderdren and Elderdren.
“It will also save considerable time and effort, while improving road safety. The future of transport lies in autonomous driving technologies, which will become an essential part of how people move.
“The Mou Signed with Baidu’s Apollo Go Plays A Crucial Role in Strengthening Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing To Develop Autonomous Driving Technology in The Emirarate Of Dubai. This Will Be Achied Through Field Trials And The Creation of A Roadmap for a Road Roadmap for a Roadmap for a Roadmap for a Roadmap for a Roadmap for a Roadmap for a Roadmap for a Roadmap for a Roadmap for a roadmap for a roadmap for a roadmap for a roadmap for a roadmap for a roadmap for a roadmap for a roadmap for a roadmap for a roadmap. “” “” “”
