Uber launches Baidu’s driverless robotaxis in Dubai

Uber Technologies ↗ 2.86% and Baidu ↗ 0.86% on Thursday launched fully driverless Apollo Go robotaxis on the Uber platform in Dubai, marking the first real-world deployment of a multi-year partnership aimed at scaling thousands of autonomous vehicles across global markets.

How It Works

Starting August 20, riders in select areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah can request a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle through the Uber app by booking an UberX or Uber Comfort trip, or by selecting a dedicated "Autonomous" option. New Horizon Luxury Transport serves as the local fleet operator.investor.uber+2

The vehicles are Apollo Go's sixth-generation RT6, a purpose-built fully electric robotaxi equipped with more than 30 sensors and capable of accommodating up to three passengers. The service area is expected to expand in the future.investor.uber

"Launching in Dubai marks the first time our multi-partner vision comes to life on public roads, demonstrating how combining advanced autonomous technology with our global marketplace can accelerate an electric, shared, and autonomous future," said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber.investor.uber

Dubai as a Global Launchpad

Dubai is the first city where Apollo Go operates through both its own app and a third-party platform. Apollo Go received Dubai's first-ever permit for fully autonomous vehicles without a safety driver in January 2026, followed by the launch of commercial driverless rides through its own app in March. According to Khaleej Times, Dubai's robotaxi operations have logged more than 4 million kilometres and 7,613 passenger trips since launch.prnewswire+1

The Baidu-Uber partnership, first announced in July 2025, aims to bring thousands of Apollo Go autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform across multiple global markets. Apollo Go has now spanned 28 cities globally, with fleets accumulating over 350 million autonomous kilometres, including more than 240 million fully driverless kilometres.investor.uber+1

Broader Context

The launch comes days after Baidu reported a difficult second quarter, with shares falling sharply on August 18 after revenue declined year over year. Morgan Stanley downgraded Baidu to Underweight on August 19, while Jefferies and Nomura maintained Buy ratings with reduced price targets.marketscreener

Uber, which now counts more than 30 autonomous vehicle partners and millions of autonomous trips completed annually, described the Dubai deployment as reinforcing its position as the platform of choice for AVs. WeRide, another Chinese autonomous driving company, had already launched driverless service on Uber in Dubai earlier.khaleejtimes+1