Dubai Launches Driverless Taxis with Baidu Apollo Go App

Dubai, UAE: Dubai Taxi Company (DTC), in partnership with Baidu Inc., has officially launched commercial driverless ride-hailing taxi services in Dubai through the Apollo Go app, marking the platform’s first international deployment.

This strategic collaboration combines Apollo Go’s cutting-edge autonomous technology with DTC’s local operational expertise. Leveraging DTC’s position as the emirate’s largest taxi and limousine operator, the initiative aims to support Dubai’s vision of transforming 25% of all transport trips into smart and driverless journeys by 2030.

The rollout begins with 50 autonomous vehicles in the first year, with plans to expand the fleet to over 1,000 driverless taxis in the coming years. Residents and visitors can book rides via the Apollo Go app, available on both Play Store and App Store, with future integration planned for Bolt and other e-hailing platforms.

Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of the Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group, said:
"Our partnership with DTC marks a new chapter for autonomous mobility in Dubai. By combining advanced technology with local expertise, we aim to deliver a safe, efficient, and scalable ride-hailing service, setting a new standard for the region."

Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, Group CEO, DTC, added:
"This launch represents a significant milestone in Dubai’s smart mobility journey. With Baidu’s autonomous technology and the Roads and Transport Authority’s support, we are ready to scale driverless taxis, enhancing safety, reliability, and the overall customer experience."

Dubai Taxi Company operates over 6,000 taxis and limousines, backed by three decades of experience. Its advanced monitoring and data-driven systems ensure each autonomous journey remains safe and seamless, reinforcing its leadership in next-generation mobility solutions.

Earlier this year, Apollo Go received Dubai’s first driverless testing permit for fully autonomous vehicles without a safety driver, and inaugurated the Apollo Go Park, its first overseas operations hub. The platform has already completed 20 million rides worldwide, covering over 300 million autonomous kilometers, with a strong safety record.

This launch positions Dubai as a strategic global hub for autonomous mobility innovation, aligning with its 2030 Self Driving Transport Strategy and pioneering future-ready transport solutions.