WS Investor
20 Aug 2026, 16:09
Uber Launches Baidu Driverless Robotaxis in Dubai
Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) have launched fully driverless Apollo Go robotaxis on Uber’s platform in Dubai, marking the first commercial deployment under their multi-year autonomous-vehicle partnership.
Starting August 20, riders requesting UberX or Uber Comfort in select areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah may be matched with Baidu’s autonomous vehicles. Customers can also select an “Autonomous” option in the Uber app to increase their chances of receiving a robotaxi.
Dubai Becomes Launchpad for Global Expansion
The service uses Baidu’s sixth-generation RT6, a purpose-built electric robotaxi equipped with more than 30 sensors. Dubai is expected to serve as the starting point for plans to deploy thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network.
Baidu said Apollo Go now operates across 28 cities and has accumulated more than 350 million autonomous kilometers, including over 240 million kilometers without a human driver.
For Uber, the launch advances its strategy of becoming the distribution platform for autonomous mobility rather than developing its own self-driving technology. Uber now works with more than 30 autonomous-vehicle partners, allowing competing AV developers to access its large ride-hailing network.
The Dubai deployment is therefore strategically important for both companies: Baidu gains international distribution for Apollo Go, while Uber strengthens its position as a marketplace connecting autonomous fleets with riders.
Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) have launched fully driverless Apollo Go robotaxis on Uber’s platform in Dubai, marking the first commercial deployment under their multi-year autonomous-vehicle partnership.
Starting August 20, riders requesting UberX or Uber Comfort in select areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah may be matched with Baidu’s autonomous vehicles. Customers can also select an “Autonomous” option in the Uber app to increase their chances of receiving a robotaxi.
Dubai Becomes Launchpad for Global Expansion
The service uses Baidu’s sixth-generation RT6, a purpose-built electric robotaxi equipped with more than 30 sensors. Dubai is expected to serve as the starting point for plans to deploy thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network.
Baidu said Apollo Go now operates across 28 cities and has accumulated more than 350 million autonomous kilometers, including over 240 million kilometers without a human driver.
For Uber, the launch advances its strategy of becoming the distribution platform for autonomous mobility rather than developing its own self-driving technology. Uber now works with more than 30 autonomous-vehicle partners, allowing competing AV developers to access its large ride-hailing network.
The Dubai deployment is therefore strategically important for both companies: Baidu gains international distribution for Apollo Go, while Uber strengthens its position as a marketplace connecting autonomous fleets with riders.
