Apollo Go Makes History in Dubai with First Autonomous Driving Trial Permit
In a groundbreaking development for urban mobility, Apollo Go, Baidu Inc.’s autonomous ride-hailing platform, has been granted Dubai’s very first autonomous driving trial permit. This landmark authorization comes with the issuance of the first batch of 50 autonomous driving test licenses by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, positioning Apollo Go at the forefront of autonomous transportation in the city.
Since receiving the permit in July, Apollo Go has deployed its fleet of 50 sixth-generation autonomous vehicles (RT6) across designated open-road testing areas in Dubai. These test drives began in August, representing a significant step toward integrating driverless technology into the public transportation fabric of this vibrant metropolis. At the 4th Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, Apollo Go stood out as the exclusive platform conducting live trials on Dubai’s open roads, offering the public a glimpse into the future of transport through these advanced autonomous vehicles.
The collaboration between Apollo Go and Dubai’s RTA signals a strategic partnership aimed at not only testing but expanding autonomous mobility solutions in the city. Liang Zhang, Managing Director of EMEA at Baidu Apollo, expressed enthusiasm about this initiative, highlighting the deep integration of their autonomous driving technologies and expertise in fleet operations. Zhang emphasized their commitment to creating seamless localization for autonomous services in Dubai and setting a global benchmark for intelligent transportation. This partnership underlines Dubai’s ambition to cement its role as a world-leading smart city hub.
This historic permit is more than a regulatory milestone; it marks the rapid and successful execution of plans initiated earlier this year when Apollo Go signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the RTA. The swift progress from agreement to road trials showcases Apollo Go’s efficient global expansion strategy and leadership in autonomous ride-hailing services. Looking ahead, the vision is even more ambitious, with plans to expand the autonomous fleet to more than 1,000 fully driverless vehicles by 2028. This growth aligns with Dubai’s broader goals of integrating cutting-edge autonomous mobility within its urban infrastructure for a smarter, greener future.
Apollo Go’s achievement in Dubai complements its global footprint, notably following its reception of the first autonomous driving test license in Hong Kong in November 2024. This expansion into a right-hand-drive market highlights Apollo Go’s adaptability and global reach. Baidu’s Apollo Go brings to the table advanced autonomous driving technology backed by extensive operational experience. The platform boasts an impressive record, including over 200 million kilometers of safe autonomous driving, 14 million public rides provided without drivers, and a full-scale deployment of autonomous vehicles in urban China.
As Apollo Go ventures deeper into international markets, its commitment remains clear: delivering safe, green, and intelligent mobility services. Through collaboration with global partners like the RTA, Baidu aims to drive the evolution of urban transportation, making autonomy a cornerstone of modern city life. This pioneering journey in Dubai sets a vivid example of how technology and visionary governance can reshape the future of transport worldwide.
Images accompanying this historic initiative capture the sleek, sixth-generation RT6 vehicles navigating the vibrant streets of Dubai, as well as key moments between Baidu Apollo and RTA leaders, symbolizing a shared commitment to innovation and progress in autonomous transportation.
