Uber, Baidu launch fully autonomous robotaxis on Dubai roads

Uber and Baidu have launched fully driverless, electric Apollo Go robotaxis on Dubai roads, allowing passengers to book Baidu’s sixth‑generation RT6 vehicles via the Uber app in selected areas of the emirate. The launch — part of a multi‑year strategic partnership aimed at deploying thousands of autonomous vehicles across Uber’s global network — is rolling out initially in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with New Horizon Luxury Transport operating the fleet locally.

"Dubai represents the first practical implementation of Uber's multi‑partner approach to autonomous transportation," said Sarfraz Maredia, Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility. "This partnership is an important milestone in our autonomous mobility strategy and highlights the role of self‑driving technology in supporting a future built around electric vehicles, shared mobility and autonomous driving."

The service uses Baidu's fully electric Apollo Go RT6 robotaxi, designed to operate without a human driver. Each RT6 can accommodate up to three passengers and is fitted with more than 30 sensors that continuously monitor the surrounding environment and process real‑time traffic information, enabling the vehicle to navigate roads and respond to changing traffic conditions.

• How to ride: Passengers requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort ride may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle during the initial rollout; users specifically wanting a driverless trip can select the "Autonomous" option within the Uber app to increase the likelihood of being paired with a robotaxi.
• Geography: Initial operations are limited to selected areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans to expand coverage across Dubai over time.
• Operator: New Horizon Luxury Transport is the local operator responsible for managing the Apollo Go fleet in Dubai.
• Technology: The RT6 represents Baidu’s sixth‑generation autonomous platform and is fully electric, integrating sensor suites and software for driverless operation.

"The launch marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the two companies," said Nan Yang, Vice President and General Manager of the Overseas Business Unit within Baidu's Intelligent Driving Group. "Dubai has become the first city to combine Baidu's autonomous driving technology with an internationally integrated ride‑hailing platform."

By making robotaxis available through the familiar Uber interface, Uber and Baidu aim to move autonomous mobility beyond limited pilots and into a service accessible to everyday riders. During the initial phase, riders will encounter robotaxis through both passive matching (when requesting UberX or Uber Comfort) and an active "Autonomous" selection, which increases pairing probability for those seeking a driverless experience.

Looking ahead, both companies plan to scale the deployment across Dubai and use the emirate as the first stage of a wider international rollout of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s network. The strategic partnership is positioned to eventually introduce thousands of autonomous vehicles worldwide, with Dubai serving as the practical testbed for integrating electric, connected and autonomous mobility into an established ride‑hailing ecosystem.