Baidu's Apollo Go and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to take the lead in carrying out large-scale autonomous taxi service in Dubai. Under the terms of the MoU, Apollo Go and RTA will initiate a trial of 100 autonomous taxis in 2025, starting hosting passengers on fully driverless rides in 2026. The plan is to expand the fleet to over 1,000 vehicles. This ambitious project marks Apollo Go's inaugural venture into international autonomous vehicle (AV) testing and services beyond Hong Kong, China, and underscores Dubai's commitment to becoming a global hub for innovation in transportation.
Dubai has become one of the benchmark cities in the field of autonomous driving in the world, and RTA has been actively promoting the commercial application of autonomous driving technologies. Along with RTA vision for smart mobility, the Government of Dubai aims to have at least 25% of all trips in driverless mode by year 2030 to support wider agendas for economic growth, sustainability, happiness and social inclusion. Apollo Go will work closely with RTA, sharing its years of experience in autonomous driving regulations, technologies and operations and carrying out the autonomous driving tests and services strictly in accordance with local regulations and requirements to achieve localized operation. The two parties will jointly explore how to provide better service to the citizens and a beneficial supplement to the local transportation system.
The trial will gradually expand to full Dubai, where the complex urban traffic environment will fully test the stability and maturity of Apollo Go's autonomous driving system. Apollo Go has maintained a record of 150 million kilometers of safe driving mileage, which has enabled it to complete large-scale deployment of autonomous taxi services in multiple cities in China and commenced 100% fully driverless operations. Apollo Go has completed 10 million autonomous ride-hailing services in total, making it the largest operator in autonomous fleet. Robotaxi generation 6 (RT6), which is specially designed for autonomous ride-hailing service, has been widely welcomed and praised by passengers. Apollo Go is devoted to promoting safe, green and efficient autonomous taxi service to more regions, and working with local partners to provide beneficial travel services to more people in the world.
About RTA:Established in November 2005, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been mandated with delivering improved transport services in Dubai. RTA has the vision to be “The world leader in seamless and sustainable mobility”. Its mission is “Develop integrated and sustainable transportation systems and provide distinguished services to all stakeholders to support Dubai’s comprehensive growth plans through preparing policies and legislations, adapting technologies and innovative approaches, and implementing world-class practices and Standards”. As an established organization, RTA is striving for a quick implementation of adequate management and operation foundations. Along with RTA vision for smart mobility, the Government of Dubai aims to have at least 25% of all trips in driverless mode by year 2030 to support wider agendas for economic growth, sustainability, happiness and social inclusion. A roadmap has been established in conjunction with a series of technical, policy and regulatory initiatives to facilitate these ambitious targets.
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