Baidu Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) has begun fully driverless commercial operations in Dubai, launching its Apollo Go autonomous ride‑hailing platform on March 30, 2026. The service is available to residents and visitors through the Apollo Go app and is the company’s first international app deployment. The launch is supported by a partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Taxi Company (DTC), which provide local operational expertise and regulatory support.
Baidu plans to deploy more than 1,000 autonomous vehicles in Dubai over the next few years, building on earlier milestones that saw the company receive Dubai’s first driverless testing permit in January 2026 and open the Apollo Go Park, its first overseas operations hub, also in January 2026. The fleet will operate on a mix of city routes and dedicated corridors, with the company targeting a gradual increase in service coverage as regulatory frameworks mature.
Dubai’s ambition to have 25 % of transportation trips be smart and driverless by 2030 provides a supportive policy backdrop. The city’s vision, coupled with its status as a global hub for autonomous mobility innovation, makes it an attractive market for Apollo Go. The launch also coincides with WeRide’s own fully driverless robotaxi operations in Dubai, launched in partnership with Uber, indicating a growing competitive landscape for autonomous ride‑hailing services in the Middle East.
Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group, said, “Our partnership with DTC represents a new chapter for autonomous mobility in Dubai. By combining our cutting‑edge technology with DTC’s local expertise, and through the launch of the Apollo Go app, our first international app deployment, we are creating a safe, efficient and scalable ride‑hailing service that sets a new standard for the region. We are proud to contribute to Dubai’s vision for smart, future‑ready transportation.” Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, Group CEO of Dubai Taxi Company, added, “The initiative aligns with Dubai’s goal of transforming 25 % of transportation trips into smart and driverless journeys by 2030.”
The Dubai launch marks a significant step in Baidu’s strategy to expand its autonomous mobility business beyond China. By establishing a commercial presence in a high‑profile international market, Baidu is positioning itself to tap new revenue streams and reinforce its standing as a leading AI‑driven mobility provider. The partnership with DTC also provides a proven operational framework that can be replicated in other cities, accelerating the company’s global rollout plans.
With the service now live, Baidu will monitor performance metrics such as ride volume, average wait times, and safety incidents to refine its algorithms and fleet management. The company’s long‑term goal is to achieve a fully integrated, driverless ecosystem that supports the broader smart‑city initiatives of Dubai and other target markets.
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