Baidu and Uber are set to launch the Apollo Go autonomous vehicle service in Dubai in the upcoming months, through a collaboration with the city’s Roads and Transport Authority. This partnership marks an exciting advancement in the integration of self-driving technology within urban transport systems.

Service Launch and Expansion Plans

The initial rollout will take place in selected areas of Jumeirah, with plans for city-wide expansion pending regulatory approval and performance evaluations. Passengers will have the opportunity to access fully autonomous vehicles through the Uber app, either by choosing the traditional Uber Comfort or UberX options within the designated service zone or by opting directly for the “Autonomous” service.

To manage operations, the fleet will be overseen by New Horizon, a third-party operator. This innovative project aligns with Dubai’s ambitious goal to make autonomous vehicles account for 25% of all trips by the year 2030. Such an initiative not only supports modern transportation needs but also underscores the city’s commitment to technological advancement and sustainability.

Significance of the Partnership

Baidu’s vice president and head of the Intelligent Driving Group overseas business unit, Nan Yang, expressed that introducing Apollo Go to Dubai via Uber’s platform represents a significant milestone in their mission to deliver safe and efficient autonomous mobility globally. This evolution reflects a growing trend in smart city infrastructure, where integrated technology enhances the travel experience for users.

This announcement follows a prior update in December, wherein both companies confirmed their intention to roll out similar services in London. Additionally, the launch of Apollo Go Park in Dubai earlier this year served as Baidu’s first overseas operations center, further solidifying this international venture.

Global Impact and Expansion

As per Apollo Go’s statistics, the service has already logged over 240 million autonomous kilometers worldwide, including more than 140 million kilometers in fully driverless operation. Currently operational in 22 cities, the service has achieved impressive milestones, surpassing 250,000 weekly rides and completing more than 17 million trips as of October 31, 2025.

Uber’s global head of autonomous services, Sarfraz Maredia, conveyed excitement about this partnership, noting the opportunity to extend autonomous vehicle technology access to consumers in major cities worldwide. This venture not only enhances Uber’s service portfolio but also contributes significantly to the future of urban mobility.

The Dubai launch is essentially the next step in a broader global collaboration between Uber and Baidu, aimed at expanding the reach of autonomous ride-hailing services into additional markets. This partnership signifies a move towards a future where self-driving technology is seamlessly integrated into everyday transportation, paving the way for smarter, more efficient urban transport solutions.