Quick Specs & Metrics
Baidu and Uber have joined forces with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce the Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing service. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to bring fully autonomous vehicles to Uber’s platform in Dubai, marking a significant step towards the future of urban mobility.
What’s Happening?
Starting next month, users in Dubai’s Jumeirah area will be able to book rides through the Uber app and potentially be matched with Apollo Go vehicles. This service will initially be available in designated areas, with plans to expand citywide based on operational success and regulatory approvals.
When booking an Uber Comfort or UberX ride, or selecting the “Autonomous” option in the app, passengers might find themselves in one of Baidu’s self-driving cars. Fleet management will be handled by New Horizon, a third-party operator, ensuring smooth operations and maintenance.
Why This Matters
This partnership aligns perfectly with Dubai’s ambitious goal of making 25% of its transportation autonomous by 2030. Apollo Go, a global leader in autonomous ride-hailing, has already logged over 240 million kilometers of autonomous driving, including 140 million kilometers in fully driverless mode. Operating in 22 cities worldwide, Apollo Go recently surpassed 250,000 weekly rides and has completed over 17 million cumulative rides as of October 31, 2025.
The Bigger Picture
Baidu and Uber first teamed up in July 2025 to deploy Apollo Go vehicles on Uber’s platform across multiple global markets, excluding the US and mainland China. The partnership leverages Baidu’s sixth-generation robotaxi, which was originally slated for deployment in Asia and the Middle East later in 2025.
In December 2025, Uber announced a pilot project with Apollo Go in London, with testing expected to begin in the first half of 2026. Lyft, another major US ride-hailing company, also partnered with Baidu to introduce autonomous vehicles in London, making the city a hotspot for cutting-edge mobility solutions.
Dubai’s Role
Dubai has been a pioneer in adopting autonomous transportation. In January 2026, Uber opened its first overseas operations and management center, Apollo Go Park, in Dubai. This move underscores the city’s commitment to becoming a global leader in smart mobility.
Looking Ahead
As autonomous driving technology continues to evolve, partnerships like this one between Baidu, Uber, and Dubai’s RTA are paving the way for safer, more efficient, and sustainable urban transportation. Keep an eye on Jumeirah—this could be the start of a new era in how we move around cities.
