Baidu’s Apollo Go Showcases Autonomous Vehicles at Dubai World Congress
A Milestone in Automated Mobility
Baidu Inc’s autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, made a significant impression at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, held from September 24 to 25, 2025. This event, organized by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, focused on the theme “Redefining Mobility,” highlighting the city’s commitment to advancing automated transportation solutions.
Exclusive Robotaxi Test Rides
Apollo Go stood out as the only operator permitted to conduct robotaxi test rides on public roads during the congress. Attendees had the opportunity to experience rides in the company’s sixth-generation RT6 vehicles along the scenic Jumeirah Beach Road. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the vehicle’s smooth handling and advanced features, including intelligent climate control and seat massage options.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Safety Features
The RT6 fleet is designed specifically for autonomous operation, incorporating Baidu’s Apollo ADFM large model. This technology is backed by ten layers of safety redundancy and six multi-scenario risk-control strategies, ensuring a high level of safety for passengers. Baidu emphasizes that these vehicles not only meet international standards but also strike a balance between comfort and cost, setting a new standard for commercial driverless services.
Symbolic License Unveiling
At the event, Apollo Go also introduced Dubai’s first autonomous driving test license, marked with the plate number 001. This milestone symbolizes the official endorsement of the company’s efforts to expand its services in the United Arab Emirates. Baidu had previously signed a strategic agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority in March, which paved the way for receiving this landmark license and an additional 50 test plates in July. Since then, the company has established its first large-scale fleet in the region.
Future Plans for Expansion
Looking ahead, Baidu aims to deploy over 1,000 fully driverless vehicles in Dubai within the next few years. Zhang Liang, Baidu’s general manager for Europe and the Middle East, expressed confidence in the city’s vision. “With Dubai’s futuristic urban planning and supportive policies, Apollo Go will leverage over a decade of technology accumulation to help the city achieve its 2030 goal of having 25 percent of all trips completed by autonomous vehicles,” he stated during the conference.
Global Reach and Partnerships
The event in Dubai marks a crucial step in Baidu’s international expansion strategy. Currently, Apollo Go operates in 16 cities worldwide, including major urban centers like Hong Kong, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. The service has successfully completed over 14 million driverless rides, accumulating more than 200 million kilometers of safe travel.
Since July, Baidu has also partnered with global platforms such as Uber and Lyft, aiming to enhance its presence across the Middle East and Eurasia. These collaborations are expected to accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles in these regions, further solidifying Baidu’s position as a leader in the autonomous mobility sector.
Conclusion
As cities around the world increasingly embrace automated transportation, Baidu’s Apollo Go is at the forefront of this transformation. With its innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and commitment to safety, the company is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban mobility.
