Baidu Inc. announced that its Apollo Go autonomous ride‑hailing platform has received Dubai’s first permit for fully driverless vehicle trials, allowing the company to operate Level 4 autonomous cars on designated public roads without a human safety driver. The approval, granted by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), marks the first time a fully driverless fleet is authorized to operate in the UAE’s capital.
The permit authorizes a target fleet of more than 1,000 fully driverless vehicles and is accompanied by the opening of Baidu’s first overseas Apollo Go Park—a 2,000‑square‑meter hub in downtown Dubai that will house vehicle maintenance, data collection, and local operations. The park represents a long‑term commitment to the region and provides a base for scaling the service.
By eliminating the need for a safety driver, Baidu can reduce operating costs, increase fleet utilization, and accelerate the rollout of its autonomous technology. The move also signals to investors that Baidu’s AI‑native mobility strategy is translating into real‑world deployments, potentially unlocking new revenue streams and strengthening its competitive moat in the rapidly evolving mobility market.
"We are honored that the RTA has entrusted Apollo Go with Dubai’s first driverless vehicle trial permit," said Yunpeng Wang, Corporate Vice President of Baidu and President of its Intelligent Driving Group. "Together with the opening of our first overseas Apollo Go Park today, this marks a truly significant milestone in Apollo Go’s expansion in the UAE and our long‑term commitment to the region."
"Receiving Dubai’s first driverless vehicle trial permit is a testament to the safety and maturity of our technology," added Liang Zhang, Managing Director of EMEA, Baidu Apollo. "By establishing our first overseas Apollo Go Park here, we are creating a strong foundation to localize our operations and work closely with the RTA to bring safe, efficient, and sustainable autonomous mobility to Dubai’s residents."
Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at the RTA, noted that the trial will rigorously test safety, reliability, and customer experience, ensuring that any future large‑scale rollout fully meets Dubai’s standards and serves the needs of residents and visitors.
Dubai’s smart mobility strategy aims to convert 25 % of its transport journeys to autonomous systems by 2030, and Baidu’s permit aligns with that vision. The company’s global expansion plan includes similar trials in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi, positioning Apollo Go as a global player in the autonomous ride‑hailing sector.
The regulatory win and the establishment of the Apollo Go Park are expected to boost investor confidence, as the company demonstrates its ability to execute on its AI‑native mobility strategy and unlock new revenue opportunities in key international markets. Baidu’s milestone in Dubai underscores its commitment to scaling autonomous mobility beyond China and solidifies its position as a leading provider of Level 4 autonomous ride‑hailing services worldwide.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.