Dubai Launches Fully Autonomous Taxi Service
A New Era in Mobility
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, recently announced the launch of fully autonomous RT6 taxi vehicles developed by Baidu Apollo Go. This initiative is part of Dubai’s broader vision of establishing a smart mobility ecosystem within the emirate. His Highness personally experienced a ride in one of these autonomous taxis during the World Government Summit held at Madinat Jumeirah, symbolizing a significant leap toward advanced transportation solutions.
Innovative Transportation Solutions
This launch reflects Dubai’s rapid advancement in embracing future mobility technologies. The public rollout of the autonomous taxi service is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026. During his ride, Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on how these autonomous vehicles operate. They are designed using a sophisticated system integrating artificial intelligence, cutting-edge sensing technologies, and autonomous decision-making capabilities. Such advancements ensure that the vehicles can navigate urban environments safely and efficiently, even in live traffic scenarios.
Key Participants in the Launch
The inauguration was attended by key figures including His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority. Their presence underscores the importance of this initiative and the collaborative efforts behind it.
Vehicle Specifications
Advanced Technology and Design
The RT6 taxis represent the sixth generation of autonomous vehicles specifically tailored for large-scale mobility services. Each vehicle is equipped with over 40 sensors, including high-precision LiDAR systems, multi-band radars, and advanced cameras. These technologies allow the taxis to effectively perceive their surroundings and adjust to fluctuating traffic conditions in real time, all while adhering to stringent safety standards.
Software Integration
The operational mechanisms of these taxis rely on an advanced software ecosystem that combines real-time data with high-definition maps and deep-learning algorithms. This ensures seamless navigation through complex urban settings, including safe interactions with pedestrians and adherence to traffic laws.
Real-World Experience
Baidu Apollo Go has amassed considerable experience in this field, having successfully completed over 150 million kilometers of safe driving and conducted more than 10 million autonomous rides in various cities worldwide. This extensive operational history has allowed them to develop scalable models suitable for commercial deployment, enhancing the reliability of their services.
Accelerated Progress in Dubai
The realization of this driverless taxi service in Dubai stemmed from a collaborative partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority and Baidu Apollo Go. Initial discussions took place during the World Government Summit in 2025, focusing on potential cooperation in the realm of autonomous mobility. This partnership quickly transitioned from planning to execution, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the launch of operational trials within just ten months.
Establishment of Operations Centre
Baidu Apollo Go has established an autonomous vehicle operations and control center in Dubai, marking its first center outside China. This development signifies the confidence global companies place in Dubai’s regulatory landscape and its capacity to adapt to cutting-edge mobility technologies. Plans are underway to expand the autonomous vehicle fleet in Dubai to over 1,000 vehicles within the coming years.
Center Facilities and Functions
Located at Dubai Science Park, the operations center spans 2,000 square meters and functions as a comprehensive hub for managing and operating the autonomous vehicle fleet. It houses various facilities, including command and control rooms, simulation spaces, and maintenance areas. The center plays a crucial role in daily operations, vehicle performance monitoring, software updates, and maintenance, ensuring that the autonomous taxis remain in optimal condition.
Embracing the Future
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Dubai’s ambition to foster a smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem grounded in innovation and collaboration. By integrating AI and forming partnerships with leading global firms, Dubai aims to enhance quality of life, improve transport efficiency, and solidify its status as a global leader in the evolution of transportation solutions.
