Apollo Go robotaxis are now available in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim through UberX and Comfort.
Dubai: Residents booking an UberX or Uber Comfort could now find themselves travelling in a fully driverless robotaxi. US mobility giant Uber announced on Thursday that it is launching Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles on its platform in the emirate.
Starting August 20, riders can increase their chances of being matched with a robotaxi by selecting the dedicated “Autonomous” option in the Uber app. The service is initially available in select areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans to expand its operating zone in the future.
The launch marks the first time Uber and Baidu’s partnership has become available to riders. The companies said Dubai will serve as the starting point for plans to deploy thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network.
“Bringing our partnership with Baidu to life is a major step forward as we expand autonomous mobility globally,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous.
“Dubai marks the first time our multi-partner vision is being put into action on public roads, showing how advanced autonomous technology and our global marketplace can work together to accelerate the transition to an electric, shared and autonomous future.”
The launch also creates what Uber describes as the world’s first multi-partner autonomous network, combining Baidu’s technology with Uber’s ride-hailing platform, while New Horizon Luxury Transport operates the robotaxi fleet.
How to book
For riders, booking a driverless trip does not require a separate app.
Those requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort ride in the initial operating area may be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle. Riders who specifically want an autonomous ride can select the dedicated “Autonomous” option directly in the Uber app.
How does it work?
The Dubai service uses Apollo Go’s sixth-generation RT6, a fully electric robotaxi designed to operate without a human driver.
Each vehicle can carry up to three passengers and is equipped with more than 30 sensors to monitor its surroundings, along with real-time onboard data processing capabilities.
“This launch marks a meaningful milestone in our partnership with Uber, with Dubai serving as the launchpad as the partnership grows its footprint,” said Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of the Overseas Business Unit at its Intelligent Driving Group.
“Dubai is also the first city where we’ve successfully established a dual-model offering, combining self-operated and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services internationally.”
According to the companies, Apollo Go has operated in 28 cities worldwide and covered more than 350 million autonomous kilometres, including over 240 million kilometres in fully driverless operations.
Uber said all autonomous vehicles joining its platform, including Baidu’s Apollo Go, must meet its safety requirements before entering the network.
The company is building a hybrid transport network in which autonomous vehicles operate alongside human-driven cars.
With more than 30 autonomous vehicle partners and millions of autonomous trips completed each year, Uber is betting that robotaxis will become an increasingly important part of everyday urban transportation.
