Dubai RTA Signs Deal with Baidu to Launch Autonomous Taxis by 2026

Dubai’:Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Baidu’s Apollo Go to begin operational trials of autonomous taxis in 2025, with full public service set to launch in 2026. The agreement marks Apollo Go’s first international expansion outside China, starting with 50 autonomous vehicles and scaling up to 1,000 over three years.
Baidu’s RT6 vehicles—equipped with 40 sensors—have already completed over 150 million kilometers and 10 million trips across China. RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer stated the move supports Dubai’s goal of making 25% of all trips autonomous by 2030.
Officials from both RTA and Baidu emphasized the project’s role in enhancing transport safety, sustainability, and smart mobility innovation in line with Dubai’s future-forward transport strategy.