Dubai, UAE – In a groundbreaking move to transform urban mobility, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has signed a strategic partnership with Baidu, one of China’s leading tech companies, to initiate trials for autonomous taxis in the city.

This collaboration aims to roll out 50 self-driving vehicles in the coming months, with plans for a full-scale public launch of autonomous taxi services by 2026. The vehicles will be a part of Baidu’s innovative Apollo Go service, which has already seen success in various cities across China.

Self-Driving Taxis in Dubai: A New Era of Transportation

The trial phase will provide crucial data and performance metrics to fine-tune the autonomous vehicle technology, ensuring a smooth and safe transition for future passengers. Dubai is set to expand its fleet of self-driving taxis to 1,000 vehicles within the next three years.

Baidu’s Apollo Go service, renowned for its advanced safety features and reliability, will be integral in this ambitious project. With a proven track record in China, Apollo Go aims to bring smart mobility solutions to cities worldwide, starting with Dubai.

Dubai’s Vision for Autonomous Mobility by 2030

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, highlighted that the partnership with Baidu aligns perfectly with Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, a bold initiative that aims to convert 25% of all trips in the emirate to autonomous journeys by 2030. This initiative is a key part of Dubai’s vision to become a global leader in self-driving technology and sustainable urban mobility.

The Future of Mobility: Dubai Leading the Charge

By embracing autonomous vehicles, Dubai is setting the stage for a future where self-driving taxis could become a regular feature of city life. The collaboration with Baidu represents a significant milestone in the emirate's pursuit of cutting-edge transportation technologies and its commitment to innovation.

What's Next for Autonomous Taxis in Dubai?

As the project moves into the trial phase, Dubai residents and visitors can expect to see the first self-driving taxis in operation soon. With the goal of expanding the fleet significantly in the next few years, Dubai is positioning itself as a global hub for autonomous mobility.

Stay Updated on Dubai’s Autonomous Vehicle Developments

For the latest news on autonomous taxis, RTA initiatives, and smart mobility solutions in Dubai, follow us on Facebook for real-time updates.