Baidu’s Apollo Go Takes the Lead in Dubai’s Autonomous Driving Revolution
In a groundbreaking development for autonomous driving technology, Baidu has announced a significant milestone for its Apollo Go platform. The company has become the first to receive Dubai’s autonomous driving trial permit, along with a batch of 50 autonomous driving test licenses issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai. This achievement marks a key step forward for both Baidu and Dubai, as they accelerate towards a future defined by intelligent, driverless transportation.
The permit and licenses were officially granted to Baidu in July, enabling the company to launch real-world trials with its autonomous vehicle fleet. Since August, Baidu has been conducting extensive tests on open roads throughout Dubai, deploying a 50-vehicle fleet equipped with cutting-edge self-driving technology. These trials offer valuable insights into the integration of autonomous vehicles within the city’s complex transportation network, paving the way for safer and more efficient urban mobility.
The announcement came during the 4th Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, a key event showcasing the latest innovations and collaborations in autonomous transport. Joining the occasion was Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at RTA, and Liang Zhang, Managing Director of EMEA for Baidu Apollo. Their joint presence highlighted the strong partnership between Baidu and Dubai’s transport authorities in advancing the city’s autonomous driving ambitions.
Liang Zhang expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing its potential impact on Dubai’s public transportation landscape. He said, “We are honoured to bring this new dimension to Dubai’s public transportation ecosystem, following our partnership with the RTA in March. Leveraging our autonomous driving technologies and fleet operation expertise, we will conduct all required testing and operations to enable seamless localization. Together with the RTA, we aim to co-build a global benchmark for intelligent transportation and contribute to solidifying Dubai’s position as a world-leading autonomous city.”
This ambitious initiative builds upon earlier cooperation between Baidu Apollo and the RTA, which was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) earlier this year. Both parties have expressed intentions to significantly expand the autonomous vehicle fleet, targeting an impressive scale of over 1,000 fully driverless vehicles by 2028. This expansion will not only highlight the trust placed in Baidu’s technology but also underscore Dubai’s commitment to pioneering intelligent urban mobility.
Baidu Apollo’s success in Dubai is part of a broader global footprint in autonomous driving. Notably, Baidu’s platform was the first to receive an autonomous driving test license in Hong Kong in November 2024, reflecting the company’s growing influence across major Asian cities. The Beijing-based tech giant continues to push the boundaries of self-driving technology, combining advanced AI with real-world operational experience to lead the industry.
Through its Apollo Go platform, Baidu is showcasing a future where autonomous ride-hailing services are not just theoretical, but practical and scalable. Dubai’s forward-thinking approach creates an ideal testing ground for these innovations, offering diverse urban conditions and a supportive regulatory environment. As the trials progress and the fleet expands, Baidu and Dubai are setting the stage for a new era of public transportation that could transform how people move in cities worldwide.
