Dubai has launched official operations of fully driverless taxis developed by Baidu Apollo Go, marking a new era in urban mobility.
DUBAI: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the official operations of Dubai’s first fully autonomous taxi service, in partnership with Baidu Apollo Go. The announcement took place during the World Governments Summit 2026, where Sheikh Hamdan personally rode the vehicle to the venue at Madinat Jumeirah.
This milestone marks the beginning of a smart mobility transformation in Dubai, with public access to the service expected in the first quarter of 2026. The autonomous RT6 taxis are equipped with over 40 integrated sensors, including LiDAR, radars and advanced cameras, ensuring safe and real-time navigation across urban roads.
Powered by artificial intelligence and deep-learning algorithms, the vehicle operates without human intervention, responding to live traffic, pedestrian crossings and intersections while complying fully with road safety regulations. The vehicle’s software draws on Baidu’s extensive experience, with over 150 million kilometres of autonomous driving and 10 million completed trips worldwide.
Sheikh Hamdan was briefed during the journey about the vehicle’s advanced capabilities and the real-time data ecosystem that enables seamless driving in complex city environments. He said the project reflects Dubai’s rapid progress in adopting future mobility technologies and transforming strategic plans into practical reality.
The driverless taxi service is the outcome of a partnership between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Baidu Apollo Go. The agreement was initiated at the 2025 edition of the summit, followed by swift implementation including road trials and the establishment of a local operations centre.
Baidu Apollo Go has opened its first international autonomous vehicle operations and control centre at Dubai Science Park, covering 2,000 square metres. The facility manages vehicle performance, software updates, and real-time monitoring, supporting fleet expansion to more than 1,000 autonomous taxis in the future.
The service is a key step in realising Dubai’s vision for sustainable, AI-driven transport that improves mobility and quality of life.
