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

Baidu's Autonomous Fleet Teams Up with Uber in Dubai

In a historic announcement, Baidu, Inc. has officially launched its Apollo Go autonomous vehicles on the Uber platform in Dubai. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of ride-hailing services, providing users the opportunity to hail completely driverless rides through the familiar Uber app for the first time.

Starting today, riders in Dubai can request a fully autonomous Apollo Go vehicle when booking either Uber Comfort or UberX. For added convenience, users may also select the new "Autonomous" option in the Uber app to seamlessly connect with Apollo Go's fleet. As part of its initial rollout, this autonomous service will be available in select neighborhoods, including Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans for future expansion.

This leap forward in transportation not only showcases the strength of the ongoing partnership between Uber and Baidu but also highlights Dubai's growing reputation as a hub for innovative technologies. “This launch signifies an important milestone in our collaboration with Uber. Dubai serves as the springboard as we extend our operational footprint across various markets,” shared Nan Yang, Baidu's Vice President.

The integration of Apollo Go's autonomous fleet into Uber's platform is the result of a long-term strategic partnership announced in July 2025, which aims to roll out thousands of Apollo Go vehicles globally. By fusing Baidu’s advanced autonomous technology with Uber's extensive network, this partnership seeks to enhance the availability of reliable and affordable ride-hailing options for users.

In recent years, Apollo Go has accumulated significant experience in scalable, real-world deployments, currently operating in 28 cities globally and covering more than 350 million kilometers autonomously, with an impressive safety track record of one airbag deployment every 14.4 million kilometers. This launch in Dubai marks not only the first market for Apollo Go to function through third-party partnerships but also its successful establishment of a dual model of service — offering both self-operated rides and partner-based services.

Moreover, earlier in March 2026, Apollo Go had initiated its own app for commercial fully driverless rides in Dubai. That deployment followed the attainment of Dubai’s inaugural driverless testing permit for fully autonomous vehicles without a safety driver, showcasing Baidu's commitment to innovation in the transport sector.

As both companies continue to grow their partnership, Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous, expressed optimism: “Bringing our partnership with Baidu to life represents a crucial step as we expand autonomous mobility. Launching in Dubai showcases the fusion of cutting-edge technology with our global marketplace.”

Both users and observers are eager to witness how this partnership evolves and reshapes transportation in urban landscapes, generating exciting possibilities for the future. As autonomous mobility becomes a tangible option for riders in Dubai, it sets a noteworthy precedent for other regions contemplating similar advancements in technology and public transport. This collaboration is on track to revolutionize the way people think about mobility, paving the way to a future where ridesharing and autonomous technology merge seamlessly.

As Baidu continues to innovate, the company remains focused on its mission: to simplify the world through advanced technology. Alongside Uber, it aims to create an interconnected environment where transportation is not just a convenience but a sophisticated experience for all users, enhancing both accessibility and sustainability in urban mobility.