Dubai has launched a fully driverless taxi service using Baidu’s Apollo Go platform, featuring RT6 autonomous vehicles as part of its 2030 Autonomous Transportation Strategy.
Dubai has taken another bold step toward the future of transportation by launching a fully driverless taxi service powered by Baidu’s Apollo Go platform. The move reflects the emirate’s growing commitment to smart mobility and positions it among the global pioneers adopting autonomous ride-hailing technology on a large scale. This initiative marks a significant milestone.
The initiative is part of a strategic collaboration between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Chinese tech giant Baidu. The service uses Apollo Go’s advanced autonomous driving system, which enables vehicles to operate without a human driver while navigating complex urban environments safely and efficiently. The partnership combines local expertise with global technology.
The newly introduced taxis are based on the sixth-generation RT6 autonomous vehicle, designed specifically for commercial driverless operations. These vehicles are equipped with more than 40 advanced sensors, including LiDAR systems, radars, and high-resolution cameras. Together, these technologies allow the taxis to detect surroundings, predict traffic behavior, and respond in real time to road conditions. Safety is built into every layer.
Dubai’s driverless taxi rollout is being implemented in phases. In the initial stage, a limited number of autonomous vehicles will operate across selected locations, with plans to gradually expand the fleet to more than 1,000 vehicles in the coming years. This phased approach ensures that safety, efficiency, and performance are continuously evaluated as the service scales up. Expansion will be data-driven.
Passengers can book rides through dedicated mobile applications or integrated ride-hailing platforms, making the service accessible and user-friendly. The system is designed to function similarly to existing taxi apps, but without the presence of a driver, offering users a glimpse into the future of urban commuting. The user experience is seamless.
The launch is closely aligned with Dubai’s ambitious Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all journeys in the city autonomous by 2030. By embracing artificial intelligence and cutting-edge mobility solutions, authorities hope to reduce traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and improve overall transport efficiency. The strategy is a cornerstone of Dubai’s vision.
Officials have emphasized that the driverless taxis underwent extensive testing before being introduced to the public. Trials were conducted under strict regulatory supervision to ensure that the vehicles meet safety standards and can operate reliably in real-world traffic conditions. Dubai’s advanced infrastructure, including smart traffic systems and high-speed connectivity, has played a key role in enabling the deployment of such technology. The testing phase was rigorous.
To support the operations, Baidu has also established its first autonomous vehicle operations and control center outside China in Dubai. This facility is responsible for monitoring the fleet, managing software updates, conducting safety checks, and ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning of the service. The center is a hub for regional autonomous mobility.
Globally, Apollo Go has already completed millions of autonomous rides and logged extensive driving distances, providing a strong foundation for its expansion into international markets. Dubai’s adoption of the technology highlights the city’s openness to innovation and its readiness to integrate next-generation solutions into everyday life. The platform’s track record is well established.
The introduction of driverless taxis is expected to bring several benefits, including reduced human error in driving, lower operational costs over time, and improved accessibility for residents. It also complements Dubai’s broader efforts to develop a smart and sustainable urban ecosystem. The service aligns with sustainability goals.
As the service expands, it is likely to reshape how people commute within the city, offering a more efficient and technologically advanced alternative to traditional transport. The launch not only underscores Dubai’s leadership in futuristic mobility but also signals a wider global shift toward autonomous transportation systems. The future of urban transport is arriving in Dubai.
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