Dubai is making significant strides in the realm of smart transportation with the launch of its first fully autonomous RT6 taxi service. Developed by Baidu’s Apollo Go, this groundbreaking venture was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister of Dubai. The public can expect to begin using these revolutionary taxis in early 2026.

Understanding the RT6 Autonomous Taxi

The RT6 represents Baidu’s sixth generation of driverless taxi technology, incorporating over 40 high-tech sensors, including advanced LiDAR systems, multi-band radars, and sophisticated cameras. These devices work together to provide the vehicle with comprehensive environmental awareness, allowing it to navigate urban settings safely while adhering to traffic regulations. This integration of cutting-edge technology enables the taxi to make informed, real-time decisions, ensuring the safety of passengers and pedestrians alike.

What sets the RT6 apart is its reliance on a sophisticated software framework that employs deep learning algorithms alongside high-definition mapping and real-time data input. This combination allows the taxi to maneuver through the busy streets of Dubai efficiently while interacting with both pedestrians and other vehicles, demonstrating a significant leap in autonomous vehicle technology.

A Proven Track Record

Baidu’s experience with autonomous vehicles spans across 150 million kilometers and more than 10 million completed journeys worldwide. This extensive operational history has equipped Baidu with the knowledge necessary to scale and optimize their technology for wider commercial deployment. Their established models for operational execution serve as a robust foundation for what could be one of the most extensive autonomous vehicle programs globally.

The launch of the RT6 taxi services is a product of a collaborative effort between the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai and Baidu Apollo Go. This partnership began to take shape during the World Government Summit in 2025, where opportunities for advancements in autonomous mobility were explored. After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two organizations commenced trials on designated routes throughout Dubai within just ten months.

Future Expansion and Ambitions

Baidu has also established an autonomous vehicle operations and control center in Dubai’s Science Park, marking a significant milestone as the company’s first operational hub outside of China. Spanning 2,000 square meters, this center is designed for monitoring and managing the fleet of driverless taxis. It plays a crucial role in overseeing daily operations, tracking vehicle performance, and implementing software updates and maintenance tasks.

Looking ahead, Dubai plans to grow the RT6’s fleet to include more than 1,000 autonomous vehicles within the next few years. This ambitious development underlines the city’s commitment to advancing AI-driven transportation solutions, enhancing mobility options, and ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents and visitors.

In line with this vision, Sheikh Hamdan announced in 2021 that Cruise, an autonomous vehicle company based in San Francisco, would also contribute to the modernization of Dubai’s transport infrastructure by providing autonomous shuttle services. With plans to deploy 4,000 electric autonomous pods by 2030, Dubai is poised to become a leader in innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions.