Dubai's RTA inks MoU with China's Baidu to launch trials of self-driving taxis in coming months
Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Baidu's autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, to roll out autonomous taxis on a large scale across the emirate.
The company will begin the experimental operation of 50 autonomous vehicles in the coming months, paving the way for the official public launch of the service in 2026.
Under the terms of the MoU, Apollo Go will deploy the latest generation of its autonomous taxis RT6, specifically designed for autonomous mobility services. These vehicles are equipped with 40 sensors and detectors to ensure the highest standards of automation and safety. This model has already achieved remarkable success and garnered widespread acclaim from users in China.
1,000 self-driving taxis
The data collection and testing phase will commence with 50 vehicles in the coming months, gradually expanding to 1,000 autonomous taxis over the next three years, according to the established efficiency and service quality standards. This launch marks Apollo Go's first international expansion in the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles outside China mainland and Hong Kong.
To date, the company has logged over 150 million kilometres of safe driving, enabling large-scale self-driving taxi services across multiple cities in China, in addition to the roll out of 100 per cent driverless operations. It has also completed more than 10 million autonomous trips, making it the world's largest operator of autonomous vehicle fleets.
Global partnership
The MoU was signed in the presence of Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Halton Niu, General Manager of Overseas Business at Baidu's Intelligent Driving Group (IDG).
On behalf of the RTA, the MoU was signed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, while Liang Zhang, General Manager of Overseas Business, MENA, Baidu Intelligent Driving Group, signed on behalf of Baidu.
Apollo Go, pioneers of the first autonomous taxi service in China, is leading efforts to integrate artificial intelligence, big data, and automation technologies to shape the smart cities of the future.
'This MoU aligns with the directives of our leadership to strengthen partnerships with global entities and leading companies, positioning the emirate at the forefront of implementing advanced and sustainable transport solutions,' Al Tayer noted.
He pointed out the agreement marks a 'pivotal step' towards the realisation of Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25 per cent of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys across various modes of transport by 2030.
'It also builds on the RTA's ongoing efforts to conduct operational trials of autonomous vehicles and units, a process that commenced in 2016.'
Al Tayer said self-driving transport has become a reality, with global companies accelerating the development of the necessary technology and software.
'Governments, represented by the relevant authorities, are focusing on licensing autonomous vehicle operations, developing the required infrastructure, and establishing the rules and regulations that govern their use. RTA is committed to enhancing Dubai's global leadership in autonomous mobility by trialling various types of autonomous vehicles, air taxis, and marine transport, with the ultimate goal of achieving the objectives of Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy,' Al Tayer noted.
Niu said that Apollo Go is dedicated to delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient smart mobility services to cities worldwide.
'By working closely with local partners, we aim to develop transformative transportation solutions that empower communities and drive progress.'
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