#United Arab Emirates #Dubai #Baidu #Robotaxi #Apollo Go

Baidu's Apollo Go Partners with Dubai RTA for Robotaxis

In a significant step towards global expansion, Baidu Inc.'s autonomous ride-hailing platform, Apollo Go, has officially partnered with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai. This collaboration, announced on March 28, 2025, marks Apollo Go's inaugural venture outside of mainland China and Hong Kong, making its entry into the Middle East market.

Deployment Plans

The agreement outlines an ambitious plan for Apollo Go to introduce 100 fully autonomous vehicles in Dubai by the end of 2025. This fleet will feature the RT6 robotaxi, Baidu's sixth-generation vehicle specifically designed for autonomous operations. Moreover, the company aims to scale up its fleet to a minimum of 1,000 vehicles by 2028, aligning with Dubai's vision to incorporate 25% autonomous transport by 2030.

Yunpeng Wang, Baidu's Corporate Vice President and head of the Intelligent Driving Group, emphasized the synergy between Baidu's mission and Dubai's futuristic transport goals. He stressed the importance of this partnership in supporting Dubai's moves toward an efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation system.

Dubai's Innovative Landscape

Dubai has emerged as a leader in promoting autonomous driving technologies, with the RTA actively fostering their commercial application. Through this partnership, Apollo Go is set to leverage insights and expertise gained from extensive deployments in major Chinese cities, specifically drawing from its experience in Wuhan, a city with a population exceeding 10 million. The partnership aims to ensure that all operations comply with local laws and are tailored to meet regional demands, guaranteeing effective implementation in Dubai’s complex urban environment.

Comprehensive Integration

The primary goal of this collaboration is to integrate Apollo Go's autonomous ride-hailing services into the broader transportation framework of Dubai. By providing enhanced mobility solutions for the city's residents, the initiative will contribute to advancing Dubai's intelligent infrastructure.

The deployment will initiate at key locations within Dubai's city center, where a diverse and challenging traffic scenario will test the robustness of Apollo Go's autonomous systems. With an impressive safety record of over 150 million kilometers driven and more than 10 million rides completed, Apollo Go is recognized as a prominent player in the global autonomous ride-hailing market.

Vehicle Specifications

The RT6 model, specifically designed for autonomous mobility, promises enhanced reliability, superior comfort, and intuitive designs. As part of the collaboration with the RTA, Apollo Go is committed to delivering the same high-quality services in Dubai that have been successfully established in China.

This agreement follows a notable visit by Baidu’s co-founder and CEO, Robin Li, to Dubai for the World Government Summit in February 2025, where he engaged with local leaders. The strong endorsement from the UAE government reaffirms their confidence in Apollo Go's technology and potential.

Future Prospects

The partnership with the RTA is another stepping stone in Apollo Go's swift global growth after recently being granted the first autonomous driving test licenses in Hong Kong in late 2024. This strategic move signifies Apollo Go’s determination to establish a presence in international markets while maintaining a focus on safety, sustainability, and technological innovation.

As Baidu continues to expand its international operations, it remains dedicated to fostering intelligent and environmentally friendly mobility solutions in collaboration with global partners, ultimately enhancing urban transportation systems as cities gear up for an autonomous future.

About Baidu

Founded in 2000, Baidu's mission has been to simplify the complexity of the world through technology. As a leading AI firm with a robust internet foundation, Baidu is publicly traded on NASDAQ under