Dubai is taking another step into the future of transportation. Taxi Dubai, a publicly listed company on the Dubai Financial Market, has partnered with Baidu, a Nasdaq and Hong Kong Stock Exchange-listed technology firm, to launch autonomous taxi services in the emirate. The rollout, utilizing Baidu’s Apollo Go platform, marks the first international expansion for the self-driving taxi service and a significant strategic move for Taxi Dubai in the region.
The collaboration combines Baidu’s advanced autonomous driving technology with Taxi Dubai’s extensive operational experience. Taxi Dubai, the largest operator of taxis and limousines in Dubai with a fleet exceeding 6,000 vehicles, will leverage its local expertise to support the launch. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s ambitious strategic goals for autonomous transportation, aiming to convert 25% of all trips to smart and self-driving vehicles by 2030, as outlined in the Dubai Self-Driving Transportation Strategy.
A Phased Rollout of Autonomous Taxis
The initial phase will see a fleet of 50 autonomous vehicles deployed in the first year. Taxi Dubai plans a phased expansion, increasing the number of self-driving vehicles to over 1,000 in the coming years. This expansion is intended to solidify Taxi Dubai’s position as a leader in adopting innovative transportation solutions. Residents and visitors will be able to book rides through the Apollo Go app, available on both the App Store and Google Play Store. Booking options will expand to include the Bolt platform and other applications as the service scales.
“We are delighted to contribute to the realization of Dubai’s vision for smart mobility that keeps pace with the needs of the future,” said Nan Yang, Baidu’s Vice President and General Manager of the Intelligent Driving Group’s Business Unit. “Our partnership with Taxi Dubai opens new horizons for the autonomous driving sector in the emirate. By integrating our advanced technologies with Taxi Dubai’s extensive local operational expertise and launching the Apollo Go app for the first time globally, we are working to deliver safe, efficient, and scalable mobility services that raise new standards for transportation in the region.”
Strategic Alignment with Dubai’s Vision
Mansour Rahma Al Falasi, CEO of Taxi Dubai, emphasized the significance of this launch. “Taxi Dubai is proud to be among the first companies to launch autonomous taxi operations in Dubai, a pivotal step towards realizing the emirate’s vision for smart and sustainable mobility,” he stated. “This initiative is in line with the company’s strategy based on innovation and its commitment to providing services that meet the needs of the future and enhance the customer experience. This achievement is a result of our strategic partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, and we thank them for their continued support in developing a comprehensive infrastructure that enables the smooth deployment of autonomous taxis, in line with the emirate’s ambitions to transform 25% of total trips in Dubai into smart and self-driving trips by 2030.”
Al Falasi further highlighted the success of prior testing. “We are proud to partner with Baidu to launch this advanced technology in Dubai, a step that combines global innovation with the emirate’s pioneering approach. The launch of this service today is based on the successful trials conducted over the past months, which have proven the readiness of the vehicles, especially in terms of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency, which enhances our confidence in the possibility of expanding the scope of this service.”
Apollo Go’s Global Expansion and Dubai’s Role
The launch in Dubai follows a significant milestone for Apollo Go, which in January 2026, received Dubai’s first permit to test fully driverless vehicles without a safety driver. According to a press release from PR Newswire, this regulatory approval allows Baidu to operate fully driverless vehicles in Dubai, solidifying the emirate’s position as a strategic hub for autonomous driving innovation.
In January 2026, Apollo Go also inaugurated its Dubai center, the company’s first overseas operations and control center for autonomous vehicles. This center will support plans to operate a fleet of over 1,000 autonomous vehicles in the coming years. As of February 2026, Apollo Go has completed over 20 million rides globally, with weekly rides exceeding 300,000 during the fourth quarter of 2025. The company’s autonomous vehicle fleets have collectively traveled over 300 million kilometers, including more than 190 million kilometers in fully autonomous operation, maintaining a strong safety record.
The introduction of autonomous taxis in Dubai represents a significant step towards a more technologically advanced and sustainable transportation system. The partnership between Taxi Dubai and Baidu demonstrates a commitment to innovation and a shared vision for the future of mobility. As the service expands, This proves expected to contribute to reduced traffic congestion, improved road safety, and a more efficient transportation network for the city.
Looking ahead, Taxi Dubai and Baidu will continue to monitor the performance of the autonomous fleet and gather data to optimize the service. Further expansion plans will be based on demand and regulatory approvals. The companies will also explore opportunities to integrate the autonomous taxi service with other modes of transportation in Dubai, creating a seamless and integrated mobility experience.
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