Dubai Launches Commercial Driverless Taxis with Apollo Go

Dubai Taxi Company PJSC (DTC), in collaboration with Baidu Inc. via its autonomous ride-hailing platform Apollo Go, has launched commercial driverless taxis in Dubai. This marks Apollo Go’s first international app deployment and a major step in the emirate’s push for smart transportation.

The partnership merges Apollo Go’s cutting-edge autonomous technology with DTC’s operational expertise as Dubai’s leading mobility provider, operating the largest taxi and limousine fleet in the emirate.

The initiative aligns with Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, aiming to convert 25% of all trips into autonomous journeys by 2030. Initially, 50 driverless vehicles will operate, with plans to expand the fleet to over 1,000 in the coming years.

Residents and visitors can book rides through the Apollo Go app, available on both Play Store and App Store. Future rollout phases will integrate other e-hailing services like Bolt.

Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of the Intelligent Driving Group’s Overseas Business Unit, said, “By combining Apollo Go’s technology with DTC’s expertise, we are creating a safe, efficient, and scalable ride-hailing service, contributing to Dubai’s vision of future-ready transport.”

Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, Group CEO of DTC, added, “This marks a major milestone in Dubai’s smart mobility journey. With the Roads and Transport Authority’s support and advanced infrastructure, our driverless taxis will deliver safe, reliable, and innovative services to residents and visitors alike.”

DTC, operating over 6,000 taxis and limousines with more than 30 years of experience, is now positioned to manage large-scale autonomous vehicle operations. Leveraging advanced monitoring systems and data-driven operations, the company will ensure each ride is seamless and secure.

Earlier this year, Apollo Go obtained Dubai’s first-ever permit for fully driverless vehicle testing, allowing fully autonomous ride-hailing services in the city. Baidu also opened Apollo Go Park in Dubai, its first overseas operations hub, supporting plans for a fleet exceeding 1,000 autonomous vehicles.

Globally, Apollo Go has completed over 20 million rides, with over 190 million kilometres driven fully autonomously, maintaining a strong safety record. Dubai now serves as a strategic hub in Apollo Go’s expanding international network, reinforcing the city’s leadership in autonomous mobility.