How the Service Works
The vehicles used are Apollo Go's sixth-generation RT6 model, described by Baidu as a purpose-built, fully electric robotaxi designed for driverless operations. New Horizon Luxury Transport, a Dubai-based operator, manages fleet maintenance and day-to-day ground operations for the service, while Baidu supplies the autonomous driving technology.
Initial operations are concentrated on designated routes in the coastal districts of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. Uber has stated that all autonomous vehicles must pass its internal safety checks before being permitted to carry passengers, and that the platform blends automated vehicles with human-driven cars in a single dispatch network.
Part of a Wider Global and Regional Rollout
Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of its Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group, said Dubai is the launch point for the wider Uber-Baidu partnership and is also the first city where Apollo Go operates both a self-operated and a partner-based autonomous ride-hailing service internationally.
This launch builds on groundwork laid earlier in 2026. Apollo Go began fully driverless commercial operations in Dubai on March 30, 2026, under the supervision of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), initially through an exclusive partnership with Dubai Taxi Company. Baidu and the RTA had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding under which a trial of 100 autonomous taxis was planned to expand toward a fleet exceeding 1,000 vehicles over time, in support of Dubai's stated goal of having at least 25 percent of all trips made in driverless mode by 2030.
Globally, Baidu says Apollo Go operates across 28 cities and has completed more than 350 million autonomous kilometres, of which over 240 million were driven without a human safety driver on board. Uber says it works with more than 30 autonomous vehicle partners across different regions as part of its broader AV strategy.
What This Means for UAE Drivers and Riders
For everyday Uber users in Dubai, the launch adds another vehicle category alongside standard human-driven options within the app's existing dispatch system, rather than replacing it. Riders in covered zones may now be matched with a driverless vehicle automatically or can actively choose one.
For the UAE's wider mobility and fleet sector, the rollout signals that autonomous ride-hailing is moving from supervised trials to live commercial service under RTA oversight. This is relevant to businesses in fleet operations, ground transport, and vehicle leasing, as it points to a longer-term shift in how urban mobility fleets in Dubai may be structured, supplementing rather than immediately displacing conventional rental and driver-operated fleets that continue to serve the bulk of UAE demand.
Regulatory Oversight
The RTA continues to supervise autonomous vehicle deployment in Dubai as part of its Smart Mobility Strategy. Apollo Go's Dubai operations, including the Uber integration, operate within this regulatory framework, with the RTA responsible for approving the phased expansion of autonomous fleets in the emirate.
Key Facts
● Uber and Baidu launched fully driverless Apollo Go rides on the Uber app in Dubai on August 20, 2026.
● The service uses Apollo Go's sixth-generation RT6 fully electric robotaxi.
● New Horizon Luxury Transport is the local fleet operator; Baidu supplies the autonomous driving technology.
● Initial coverage is limited to designated routes in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
● Apollo Go began fully driverless commercial operations in Dubai on March 30, 2026, under RTA supervision.
● Baidu operates Apollo Go across 28 cities globally, with more than 350 million autonomous kilometres driven.
Sources
Uber Technologies, Inc. (official press release) — Uber Launches Baidu's Fully Driverless Apollo Go in Dubai, Establishing the First Multi-Partner Autonomous Network Globally (August 20, 2026)
Gasgoo — Apollo Go launches driverless ride-hailing in Dubai, marking first fully autonomous commercial rollout in the city (April 1, 2026)
Apollo Go (Baidu) — Baidu Apollo Go signs MOU with RTA to deploy Autonomous Vehicles in Dubai (undated corporate release)
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