Baidu and Uber Launch Robotaxi Service in Dubai

The service integrates Apollo Go’s driverless technology with Uber’s global ride-hailing network, utilizing New Horizon Luxury Transport as the local fleet operator. Residents can request autonomous transport by selecting the dedicated option within the Uber interface or by booking standard Uber Comfort and UberX trips, which may now be fulfilled by a robotaxi. This launch establishes a dual-model approach in Dubai, where Baidu operates both its own booking application and a third-party platform integration.

Baidu’s push into the region follows a series of regulatory milestones, including the receipt of Dubai’s first permit for driverless vehicles without a safety driver in January 2026. Prior to the Uber integration, Apollo Go had already initiated commercial operations via its proprietary app in March. With over 350 million autonomous kilometers logged across 28 cities globally, Baidu aims to scale this model to additional markets. According to company data, the fleet maintains a safety record of approximately one airbag deployment per 14.4 million kilometers, a metric central to its pitch for broader adoption of shared, autonomous mobility.