Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Baidu’s Apollo Go, marking a major milestone in the emirate's push towards autonomous transportation.
Under the agreement, the first phase of the project will see 50 autonomous vehicles undergo experimental operations in the coming months, setting the stage for a full public launch in 2026.
The MoU was signed by RTA officials, including Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of RTA, and representatives from Baidu, including Halton Niu, General Manager of Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group. The partnership will introduce the latest Apollo Go RT6 autonomous taxis, which are equipped with 40 sensors for enhanced safety and automation.
This collaboration marks Apollo Go’s first international expansion outside of China and Hong Kong. With over 150 million kilometers of safe driving data and more than 10 million autonomous trips completed, Apollo Go is already the world’s largest operator of autonomous vehicle fleets.
Al Tayer expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that the move aligns with Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims for 25% of all trips to be autonomous by 2030. The project is also part of Dubai's broader vision to lead in sustainable and advanced transport solutions.
Baidu’s Niu highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration, underscoring the UAE’s ambition to be at the forefront of autonomous driving innovation. The partnership will drive forward Dubai’s mobility transformation, improving quality of life and paving the way for safer, more efficient transportation for all.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
