#United Arab Emirates #Dubai #Baidu #Autonomous Driving #Apollo Go

Baidu's Apollo Go Makes History in Dubai with Autonomous Driving Trials

Baidu's Apollo Go has made significant strides in the autonomous driving sector by becoming the first platform to be granted a trial permit for autonomous vehicles in Dubai. In a groundbreaking move, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has issued Apollo Go the first batch of 50 autonomous driving test licenses. This permit is not just a regulatory achievement; it marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of urban transportation within the UAE.

Since August, Apollo Go's fleet of 50 vehicles has been actively conducting trials in designated areas across Dubai. These tests are conducted using the sixth-generation autonomous vehicles known as the RT6. The recent announcement came during the 4th Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, where Apollo Go stands out as the only platform allowed to conduct open-road trials, showcasing its capabilities to an international audience.

Liang Zhang, Managing Director of EMEA at Baidu Apollo, expressed great pride in this accomplishment, stating, "We are honored to bring this new dimension to Dubai's public transportation ecosystem, following our partnership with the RTA in March." Zhang emphasized the importance of leveraging autonomous technologies and operational expertise to integrate seamlessly into Dubai's transportation framework. This collaboration aims to create a global benchmark for intelligent transportation systems, reinforcing Dubai's ambition to become a leader in autonomous mobility.

The trial permit and the issued licenses follow a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Apollo Go and the RTA. This reflects not only a commitment to rapid execution but also a clear alignment with Dubai's vision for modernizing urban infrastructure through innovative technologies. The successful implementation of these trials is expected to pave the way for the expansion of Apollo Go's fleet to over 1,000 fully driverless vehicles by 2028. This ambitious plan is part of Dubai's broader initiative to accelerate the adoption of autonomous transport solutions in its urban landscape.

Baidu's Apollo Go is not only a pioneer in Dubai; it also holds the distinction of being the first to obtain an autonomous driving test license in Hong Kong in November 2024, marking its entry into a right-hand-drive market. This expansion underscores Apollo Go's commitment to leading the global market in autonomous ride-hailing services, backed by a wealth of experience and innovation.

With a proven track record of over 200 million kilometers of safe autonomous driving and 14 million rides provided without human intervention across urban centers in China, Apollo Go brings unparalleled expertise to its Dubai operations. As it continues to grow, the company remains dedicated to providing safe, environmentally friendly, and intelligent transportation solutions around the world.

In line with its mission, Baidu aims to simplify complex urban transportation challenges through advanced technology. Founded in 2000, Baidu is a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company that trades on NASDAQ and HKEX.

Looking Ahead

The future looks promising for Apollo Go in Dubai as it not only enhances public transportation but also contributes to setting standards for autonomous systems globally. As the trials progress, stakeholders and residents alike will be eager to see how this initiative evolves and what it could mean for the future of mobility in the emirate and beyond.

About Baidu
Baidu has positioned itself at the forefront of technological advancements aimed at transforming urban mobility. Its foundational principles are aimed at making the complicated aspects of life simpler through the application of AI and autonomous technologies. By combining its extensive experience with insights from the Dubai trials, Baidu seeks to redefine the transport experience, prioritizing safety, sustainability, and efficiency.