March 31, 2026 – Baidu’s self-driving taxi service, Apollo Go, has officially launched its fully driverless commercial operations in Dubai, marking a significant milestone as the city welcomes its first-ever fleet of autonomous taxis.
The rollout is taking place in phases, with Apollo Go gradually deploying a fleet that aims to reach thousands of vehicles over time, creating a robust autonomous mobility network across Dubai.
To ensure a seamless integration into the local transportation ecosystem, Apollo Go has adopted a “dual-channel strategy” by forging in-depth partnerships with two major players: Dubai’s state-owned taxi operator, DTC, and global mobility giant Uber. Through these collaborations, passengers can now book self-driving taxis via the Uber app. By selecting the dedicated “Autonomous” option in specific zones or simply opting for a regular ride, users may be matched with an autonomous vehicle depending on availability. Initially, the service will be available in key areas such as Jumeirah, with plans to expand coverage based on operational performance.
The journey to this milestone wasn’t swift. In March 2025, Apollo Go signed a landmark agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to deploy over 1,000 fully driverless vehicles. By January 2026, the company secured Dubai’s first-ever permit for fully driverless testing and inaugurated its first overseas autonomous operation base, laying the groundwork for large-scale commercialization.
Public confidence in the technology received a major boost when Dubai’s Crown Prince personally tested an Apollo Go self-driving vehicle during the 2026 World Government Summit. He praised the “smooth and effortless” ride experience, helping to build positive anticipation for the service’s launch.
As of October 2025, Apollo Go had accumulated over 240 million kilometers in global autonomous driving, including more than 140 million kilometers in fully driverless mode. The service now operates in 22 cities worldwide, having completed over 17 million passenger trips.
