Dubai: Dubai has taken another step towards autonomous mobility with the launch of Baidu's fully driverless Apollo Go robotaxis on the Uber platform, allowing passengers to experience autonomous rides in selected parts of the city.The launch forms part of a multi-year strategic partnership between Uber and Baidu aimed at deploying thousands of autonomous vehicles across Uber's global network, with Dubai serving as the first city for the international rollout.New Horizon Luxury Transport will operate the Apollo Go fleet in Dubai.How passengers can bookPassengers requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort ride may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle during the initial rollout.Those specifically wishing to experience a driverless vehicle can select the "Autonomous" option within the Uber app, increasing the likelihood of being paired with a robotaxi.The service will initially operate in selected areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans to expand coverage over time.Fully driverless and electricThe service uses Baidu's sixth-generation Apollo Go RT6 robotaxi, a fully electric autonomous vehicle designed to operate without a human driver.Each vehicle can accommodate up to three passengers and is equipped with more than 30 sensors that continuously monitor the surrounding environment and process real-time traffic information.The technology enables the vehicle to navigate roads autonomously and respond to changing traffic conditions.Supporting Dubai's mobility visionThe introduction of the RT6 supports Dubai's broader efforts to develop a transportation network centred on electric, connected and autonomous mobility solutions.Sarfraz Maredia, Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility, described the partnership as an important milestone in the company's autonomous mobility strategy.He said Dubai represents the first practical implementation of Uber's multi-partner approach to autonomous transportation and highlighted the role of self-driving technology in supporting a future built around electric vehicles, shared mobility and autonomous driving.Nan Yang, Vice President and General Manager of the Overseas Business Unit within Baidu's Intelligent Driving Group, said the launch marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the two companies.According to Yang, Dubai has become the first city to combine Baidu's autonomous driving technology with an internationally integrated ride-hailing platform.Expanding autonomous transportThe launch comes as Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for smart mobility and autonomous transportation.By integrating robotaxis into a widely used ride-hailing platform, Uber and Baidu are moving autonomous mobility beyond pilot projects and into a transport service accessible through a familiar app.The companies plan to expand the service area in Dubai over time, while the emirate serves as the first stage in the wider international deployment of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber's network.
