Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group have inaugurated the Baidu Apollo Go Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre at Dubai Science Park. This is Baidu’s first such facility outside China.
According to Emirates News Agency, the 2,000-square-metre centre was opened by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s RTA, and Yunpeng Wang, Corporate Vice President of Baidu. The centre will manage fleet operations, maintenance, charging, software updates, and safety testing for Baidu’s autonomous vehicles.
The comprehensive facility includes a simulation room, training room, and operations and maintenance centre. RTA has granted Baidu Apollo Go Dubai’s first permit to conduct trials of fully autonomous vehicles on designated public roads without a safety driver.
The centre aligns with Baidu’s plans to expand its autonomous vehicle fleet in Dubai to over 1,000 vehicles in the coming years. It is responsible for daily vehicle operations, routine maintenance, charging, software updates, vehicle management, inspection, and safety testing. Additionally, it ensures effective response to operational commands and supports safety drivers in various roles.
This initiative builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed between RTA and Baidu in March 2025, aiming for large-scale operation of autonomous taxis across Dubai. The permit for fully driverless trials is a significant milestone in Apollo Go’s efforts to launch a commercial autonomous ride-hailing service by the first quarter of 2026.
Mattar Al Tayer highlighted that the move supports Dubai’s goal to be a global leader in smart mobility and the application of artificial intelligence in transport. He emphasized the confidence global companies have in Dubai’s regulatory environment and infrastructure.
Yunpeng Wang noted that the permit and the centre’s opening mark a milestone in Apollo Go’s UAE expansion. He expressed enthusiasm for working with Dubai’s RTA and local partners to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable autonomous ride-hailing services.
Liang Zhang, Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Baidu Apollo, stated that receiving the driverless vehicle trial permit underscores the maturity of their technology. The establishment of the centre in Dubai sets a foundation for localising operations and collaborating with RTA on autonomous mobility solutions.