Dubai Unveils Driverless Taxi Service in Collaboration with Baidu Apollo Go

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Taxi Company (DTC), in conjunction with Baidu Inc., has launched its driverless taxi services, utilizing the Apollo Go app for the first time outside China.

This partnership merges the groundbreaking autonomous capabilities of Apollo Go with DTC’s extensive local insights. With DTC being Dubai's most significant taxi and limousine provider, the ambition focuses on the goal of converting 25% of all transportation into smart, driverless options by 2030.

The initial phase will roll out 50 autonomous vehicles, with aspirations to grow the fleet to over 1,000 in the upcoming years. The rides can be booked using the Apollo Go app, which is accessible on both the Play Store and App Store, with plans for future integration with platforms like Bolt.

According to Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of the Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group:
"Our collaboration with DTC signifies a progressive step toward autonomous mobility in Dubai. By blending our technology with local acumen, we are committed to offering a safe and adaptable ride-hailing experience, setting new industry benchmarks in the region."

Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, Group CEO of DTC, reflected:
"This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Dubai’s journey toward smart mobility. With Baidu’s sophisticated technology and the Roads and Transport Authority's support, we're poised to scale our driverless taxi services, enhancing reliability and customer satisfaction."

With a fleet of over 6,000 taxis and limousines, Dubai Taxi Company boasts three decades of industry experience. Their advanced monitoring systems ensure that each autonomous trip is conducted safely and efficiently, bolstering their status as leaders in innovative mobility solutions.

Earlier in the year, Apollo Go received the inaugural driverless testing permit in Dubai for fully autonomous vehicles, thereby launching the Apollo Go Park as their first international operations center. The service has performed over 20 million rides globally, traveling more than 300 million autonomous kilometers with an impressive safety record.

This launch establishes Dubai as a key player in autonomous mobility innovation, aligning with its strategy for self-driving transport by 2030 and setting the stage for future-oriented transportation solutions.