Dubai RTA Signs MoU With China Baidu For A Self-driving Taxi Trial In The Coming Months
Dubai RTA Signs MoU With China Baidu For A Self-driving Taxi Trial In The Coming Months. In a bold move that positions Dubai at the forefront of autonomous vehicle innovation, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (Dubai RTA) has signed a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Baidu, the developers behind the cutting-edge autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go. This strategic partnership marks a critical step in transforming Dubai’s vision of becoming a global smart city, with the official public launch of self-driving taxi services set for 2026.
Why Dubai Is Embracing Self-Driving Taxis
Dubai has long been a leader in adopting futuristic urban mobility solutions. From AI-driven smart traffic systems to electric public transport, the city continually demonstrates a forward-thinking approach. The signing of this MoU supports Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all trips into autonomous journeys by 2030.
This visionary collaboration with Baidu aligns with the emirate’s broader goals of enhancing sustainability, safety, efficiency, and convenience in public transportation.
What the Dubai RTA–Baidu MoU Includes
Under the terms of the agreement, Apollo Go will begin the experimental operation of 50 autonomous vehicles in Dubai within the coming months. These vehicles will be deployed for data collection, road testing, and to assess service efficiency and customer satisfaction. If successful, the fleet will gradually expand to 1,000 self-driving taxis over the next three years.
Highlights of the MoU
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Vehicle Deployment | 50 Autonomous Vehicles |
| Full Fleet Target | 1,000 Autonomous Taxis by 2026 |
| Technology Used | Apollo Go RT6 – Equipped with 40 sensors and detectors |
| Deployment Timeline | Experimental trials begin in a few months |
| Public Launch | Scheduled for 2026 |
| Coverage Area | Across Dubai, in stages |
| Primary Objective | Support Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy |
Apollo Go RT6: The Next-Gen Self-Driving Taxi
The Apollo Go RT6, Baidu’s latest generation of autonomous taxis, has already proven its mettle in China. Designed specifically for autonomous mobility services, the RT6 comes equipped with 40 sensors, including cameras, LiDARs, and radars that ensure precise navigation, pedestrian detection, and obstacle avoidance.
The vehicle is also powered by Baidu’s advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, making it capable of real-time decision-making and dynamic route adjustments based on traffic conditions.
These safety features meet the highest standards of automation, safety, and passenger experience, positioning the RT6 as a world-class self-driving solution.
Apollo Go Global Expansion Begins with Dubai
This project marks Apollo Go’s first international expansion outside of mainland China and Hong Kong. The company brings with it an impressive track record: over 150 million kilometers of safe autonomous driving and more than 10 million self-driving rides completed.
These numbers make Baidu the largest operator of autonomous vehicle fleets globally, and Dubai is now at the center of this innovation wave.
Achievements of Apollo Go in Numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Kilometers Driven Autonomously | 150+ Million |
| Number of Autonomous Rides Completed | 10+ Million |
| Cities with Operating Services | Multiple across China |
| Driverless Operations | 100% in Some Areas |
Apollo Go is known for combining big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation to provide scalable smart mobility services that benefit both people and the environment.
The Vision Behind the Collaboration
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Dubai RTA, emphasized the importance of forging international partnerships to accelerate innovation in urban transport.
“This MoU aligns with our leadership’s vision to strengthen ties with global tech giants and reinforces Dubai’s standing as a pioneer in sustainable and intelligent transport systems,” said Al Tayer.
He also highlighted that this initiative is a continuation of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to test various autonomous mobility modes, a process which began in 2016. Over the years, Dubai has conducted trials with autonomous shuttles, air taxis, and marine transport, all aimed at revolutionizing public transportation.
Regulatory Framework and Infrastructure Support
As part of the preparation for autonomous mobility, governments and authorities—like Dubai RTA—are playing a crucial role in:
- Licensing autonomous vehicle operations
- Building infrastructure for safe testing
- Developing legal frameworks
- Implementing road safety protocols
Dubai’s infrastructure is already well-positioned to support autonomous vehicles, with high-quality roads, smart traffic systems, and a favorable climate for real-time sensor performance.
Global Implications: Setting the Stage for Future Smart Cities
According to Halton Niu, General Manager of Overseas Business at Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group, the collaboration with Dubai RTA goes beyond local deployment. It’s a strategic partnership to deliver sustainable, safe, and efficient smart mobility services worldwide.
“By working closely with forward-thinking partners like RTA, we aim to reshape urban mobility and create transformative experiences that benefit entire communities,” said Niu.
This partnership could pave the way for further expansions into the Middle East and beyond, setting the template for smart mobility in other global cities.
Why Self-Driving Taxis Matter in 2025 and Beyond
The push toward autonomous transportation comes amid growing global concerns about climate change, traffic congestion, and urban overcrowding. Self-driving taxis offer a promising solution to many of these challenges:
Benefits of Self-Driving Taxis
| Advantage | Impact |
|---|---|
| Reduced Traffic Accidents | Fewer accidents due to AI-based decision-making |
| Lower Carbon Emissions | Many autonomous vehicles are electric |
| Increased Accessibility | Helps the elderly and disabled travel more independently |
| Efficient Use of Infrastructure | Better traffic flow and optimized routing |
| Cost-Effective Public Transportation | Reduces need for private car ownership |
Dubai Path to a Driverless Future
Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for self-driving taxis is not new. Over the past decade, the city has consistently invested in smart technology, automation, and AI solutions. The Dubai Future Foundation, Smart Dubai initiatives, and now the partnership with Apollo Go all contribute to an overarching plan for creating sustainable smart cities.
Milestones Toward Autonomous Transport in Dubai
- 2016: RTA begins trials of autonomous shuttle buses
- 2017–2019: Pilot programs for self-driving pods and marine vehicles
- 2020: Electric autonomous air taxi tests begin
- 2024: MoU with Baidu for full-scale self-driving taxi trials
- 2026: Public launch of autonomous taxi service
Conclusion
The collaboration between Dubai RTA and Baidu’s Apollo Go represents more than just a technology trial—it’s a monumental step forward in reshaping how cities around the world approach urban mobility. With over 150 million kilometers of proven safe autonomous driving, Apollo Go brings world-class experience to a city already known for embracing the future.
