Uber Technologies announced on Thursday that fully autonomous Apollo Go vehicles from Baidu are now officially available for passengers to order through the Uber platform in Dubai. This marks progress in the development of autonomous public transport in Dubai.
Previously, Apollo Go provided autonomous mobility services through its own application in cooperation with Dubai Taxi Company to support local operations. Now, however, Uber has started collaborating with Apollo Go, using New Horizon Luxury Transport as the fleet operator.
This launch is part of a multi-year strategic partnership, and Dubai serves as the starting point for scaling thousands of Apollo Go vehicles within the global Uber network.
Starting August 20, users in Dubai requesting UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle. To increase the likelihood of receiving a robotaxi, passengers can also select the special 'Autonomous' option directly in the Uber app.
In the initial phase, the fully autonomous service will operate in specific areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans to expand the service area in the future.
The service will utilize the sixth-generation Apollo Go RT6 model—a specially designed, fully electric robotaxi intended for completely driverless trips. Each vehicle accommodates up to three passengers and is equipped with over 30 sensors for comprehensive environmental perception and real-time data processing.
The Apollo Go section of the Uber app lists the following features: stylish rides in Apollo Go RT6 vehicles with spacious rear seats and electric sliding doors; the capacity to accommodate three passengers, allowing the requester to bring two others on an autonomous trip; 24/7 support from agents ready to assist customers in typically less than a minute; reliable systems in each vehicle using LiDAR, cameras, and sensors for self-driving; and the ability to record audio and video for safety and support.
Dubai's fully driverless taxi service officially launched on March 30, 2026, when the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the start of commercial operations in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. The initial phase included 100 autonomous taxis operated through Apollo Go and WeRide, with booking available via the Uber and Apollo Go apps.
Initially, Apollo Go offered free autonomous rides through its app in parts of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. However, this service is now available as a paid option, alongside WeRide, which launched its driverless service earlier on Uber.
The Dubai media office reported on Wednesday that since the launch of robotaxis in the emirate, over 4 million kilometers have been covered and 7,613 passenger trips have been made. The Roads and Transport Authority has added a new dimension to Dubai's public transport ecosystem through partnerships with Baidu’s Apollo Go, WeRide, and Pony.ai.