Baidu Inc’s Apollo Go service has reached a significant milestone by obtaining a permit for fully driverless testing from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This achievement positions Apollo Go as the sole company authorized to operate unmanned autonomous vehicle tests in the bustling city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Acknowledgment of Chinese Technology

The granting of this permit signifies a crucial endorsement of Chinese autonomous driving technology by Dubai’s regulators. It sets the stage for Apollo Go to initiate fully driverless commercial operations as early as the first quarter of 2026. This recognition enhances the credibility of Baidu’s innovative solutions in the international market and reinforces the global interest in autonomous vehicle technology.

In alignment with its ambitious plans, Apollo Go is set to expand its fleet in Dubai to more than 1,000 autonomous vehicles. This substantial scale-up reflects the company’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into public transportation systems. With plans for such a large fleet, Apollo Go is preparing to offer comprehensive services that could revolutionize urban mobility.

Establishment of a Regional Hub

In addition to securing the testing permit, Baidu has launched its first integrated autonomous driving operations hub in the Middle East, located in Dubai. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses a variety of functions, including vehicle maintenance, operations, safety management, and personnel training. It represents a significant investment in creating a robust infrastructure to support extensive autonomous vehicle operations in the region.

This operational hub aligns perfectly with Dubai’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transition a quarter of its transportation to autonomous systems by the year 2030. By offering critical technical and operational support for driverless testing, Apollo Go is contributing to ambitious governmental objectives while also enhancing its own operational capabilities.

Strategic Collaborations and Future Goals

Wang Yunpeng, the vice-president of Baidu and leader of its intelligent driving group, emphasized Dubai’s unique conditions for launching autonomous technologies. He noted the city’s world-class transportation infrastructure and receptive policy environment as pivotal to the success of large-scale autonomous deployments. Public acceptance of cutting-edge innovations further bolsters these efforts, creating a conducive atmosphere for technological advancements.

Wang expressed enthusiasm for deepening partnerships with the RTA and local enterprises, highlighting the goal of establishing a safe, efficient, and sustainable autonomous mobility service in Dubai. This collaboration aims to support Dubai’s aspirations to set a global benchmark for smart transportation innovation, thereby creating a roadmap for other cities to follow.

In March, Apollo Go formally entered a strategic partnership with the RTA to initiate autonomous vehicle testing and services in the city. The subsequent license granted in July allowed the establishment of the first large-scale testing fleet, laying the groundwork for deploying over 1,000 fully driverless vehicles in Dubai. This proactive approach not only showcases Baidu’s capabilities but also reinforces its position as a leader in the autonomous vehicle sector.

As Baidu continues to expand its footprint in the Middle East, its initiatives in Dubai may well serve as a template for adopting autonomous driving technologies globally, reflecting a significant leap forward in urban transportation solutions.