Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has officially commenced the operations of fully autonomous RT6 taxi vehicles developed by Baidu Apollo Go. This initiative is a significant component of Dubai's smart mobility ecosystem.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Hamdan experienced a journey in the autonomous vehicle to the World Governments Summit venue at Madinat Jumeirah. This event signifies a substantial advancement in Dubai's adoption of future mobility solutions, aligning with its strategic plans for practical implementation. The public launch of this service is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
During the ride, Sheikh Hamdan was informed about the vehicle's operation, which utilizes an integrated system powered by artificial intelligence, advanced sensing technologies, and autonomous decision-making systems. These features ensure safe and efficient navigation within urban environments and live traffic conditions.
The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority.
The autonomous taxi represents the sixth generation of such vehicles, designed for large-scale autonomous mobility services. It is equipped with over 40 sensors, including high-precision LiDAR systems, multi-band radars, and advanced cameras. These technologies allow the vehicle to perceive its surroundings, adapt to traffic conditions, and make real-time decisions in compliance with approved safety standards.
The vehicle operates on an advanced software ecosystem that integrates real-time data, high-definition maps, and deep-learning algorithms. This setup enables effective navigation through complex urban environments, interacting with intersections, pedestrians, and other vehicles while adhering to traffic laws.
The technology is supported by extensive operational experience, with the operator's vehicles having accumulated over 150 million kilometres of safe driving and facilitated more than 10 million autonomous trips across various cities. This experience has helped in developing scalable operational models for large-scale commercial deployment.
The introduction of driverless taxi services in Dubai results from cooperation between the Roads and Transport Authority and Baidu Apollo Go. This collaboration began with a meeting at the World Governments Summit 2025, where prospects for autonomous mobility were explored, and Baidu Apollo Go's global expertise was showcased.
The partnership quickly progressed, resulting in a Memorandum of Understanding and the commencement of operational trials on selected roads in Dubai. The transition from planning to implementation took approximately 10 months, demonstrating Dubai's efficient regulatory framework and readiness for smart infrastructure.
Baidu Apollo Go has established an autonomous vehicle operations and control centre in Dubai, marking its first such facility outside China. This centre, located at Dubai Science Park, spans 2,000 square metres and serves as a hub for managing and operating the autonomous vehicle fleet.
The centre facilitates daily operations, continuous vehicle performance monitoring, software updates, maintenance, and technical inspections. It also supports safety testing and ensures quick responsiveness to operational commands, enhancing the readiness for expanding autonomous taxi services across Dubai.
This development is a pivotal milestone in Dubai's pursuit of a smart and sustainable mobility system centered on innovation, artificial intelligence deployment, and partnerships with global leaders. It aims to improve quality of life, mobility efficiency, and reinforce Dubai's position as a global leader in future transport solutions.