Dubai has officially launched operations of fully autonomous RT6 taxis developed by Baidu Apollo Go, marking a major step in the emirate’s smart mobility strategy. The service is expected to roll out to the public in the first quarter of 2026.
Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the service and traveled in a driverless taxi to the World Governments Summit, showcasing Dubai’s rapid adoption of future transport technologies.
The RT6 autonomous vehicle uses artificial intelligence, high-precision LiDAR, radars, and advanced cameras to safely navigate city roads and respond to live traffic conditions.
The system integrates real-time data, high-definition maps, and deep-learning algorithms, allowing the vehicles to comply fully with traffic laws while interacting safely with pedestrians and other vehicles.
The project is the result of collaboration between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Baidu Apollo Go, with planning and operational trials completed within 10 months following discussions at the 2025 World Government Summit.
Baidu Apollo Go has also opened its first operations and control centre outside China at Dubai Science Park. The facility monitors fleet performance, conducts safety testing, and manages maintenance and software updates.
Authorities plan to expand the autonomous fleet to more than 1,000 vehicles in the coming years, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global leader in AI-driven and sustainable urban transport.