Driverless taxis hit Dubai roads with Apollo Go’s first global app debut
50 vehicles to begin rollout, with plans for rapid expansion
DUBAI – Dubai has taken a major step towards its smart mobility ambitions with the launch of fully driverless commercial ride-hailing services, introduced through a partnership between Dubai Taxi Company and Baidu.
The service is powered by Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing platform Apollo Go, marking its first international app deployment.
The initiative positions Dubai at the forefront of next-generation transport, aligning with its long-term strategy to integrate advanced technologies into everyday mobility. The launch follows extensive trials and regulatory approvals, enabling the commercial rollout of fully autonomous taxis without a safety driver.
Initial rollout
The service will begin with an initial fleet of 50 vehicles during its first year, with plans to scale up significantly. Over the coming years, the fleet is expected to expand to more than 1,000 driverless vehicles, reflecting a phased approach to deployment.
أطلقت شركة تاكسي دبي بالتعاون مع "أبولو جو" رسمياً خدمات التاكسي ذاتي القيادة في دبي. #تاكسي #دبي
— DTC (@DTCUAE) April 1, 2026
DTC and Apollo Go have officially launched commercial driverless taxi services in Dubai. Global AI expertise meets local operational excellence. #DTC #AVs #Apollo_Go pic.twitter.com/MsEtg9xdm1
Passengers can book rides through the Apollo Go app, which is available on both the Play Store and App Store. As the service expands, booking options are set to integrate with other e-hailing platforms, including Bolt, widening accessibility for residents and visitors.
The partnership brings together Apollo Go’s advanced autonomous driving technology and Dubai Taxi Company’s extensive operational experience. With a fleet exceeding 6,000 taxis and limousines, DTC is leveraging its infrastructure and expertise to support the rollout of driverless mobility at scale.
Strategic vision
The launch is closely aligned with Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25 percent of all transportation trips into autonomous journeys by 2030. The initiative highlights the emirate’s broader commitment to innovation, sustainability and smart city development.
Officials have pointed to the combination of global technology and local operational capabilities as a key factor in accelerating deployment. The partnership also reflects growing confidence in the safety and reliability of autonomous systems, supported by months of testing within the emirate.
The project has been backed by the Roads and Transport Authority, which has developed the regulatory and infrastructure framework necessary for autonomous vehicle operations. This includes dedicated testing approvals and integration into the city’s wider transport network.
Apollo Go in Dubai
The commercial launch builds on earlier milestones achieved this year. In January 2026, Apollo Go secured Dubai’s first permit for fully driverless vehicle testing without a safety driver, clearing the way for commercial operations.
In the same month, Baidu established the Apollo Go Park in Dubai, its first overseas operations and management hub. The facility is designed to support large-scale deployment and oversee the expansion of autonomous fleets in the region.
Globally, Apollo Go has demonstrated significant scale and operational experience. By February 2026, the platform had completed more than 20 million rides worldwide. Weekly ride volumes exceeded 300,000 during the final quarter of 2025, reflecting rapid adoption across its operating markets.
Its fleet has collectively covered over 300 million autonomous kilometres, including more than 190 million kilometres of fully driverless operations. These figures underscore the platform’s safety performance and operational maturity, which have been central to its international expansion.
Operational readiness
Dubai Taxi Company is set to manage the day-to-day operations of the service, drawing on its established systems and technology-driven approach. Advanced monitoring tools and data-led operations will be used to oversee journeys, ensuring reliability and passenger safety.
The rollout represents a shift in how mobility services are delivered in the city, introducing a fully autonomous experience for passengers. With continued expansion planned, the initiative is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of urban transport in Dubai, as autonomous vehicles become an increasingly visible part of the city’s mobility landscape.