Dubai Launches Fully Driverless Rides Apollo Go Through Uber
Dubai has taken another step towards autonomous transport with the launch of Apollo Go Dubai on the Uber app. Baidu’s fully driverless robotaxis are now available to selected riders in the emirate.
The service went live on August 20, allowing Uber users to book autonomous rides in parts of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. Riders can request an UberX or Uber Comfort and may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle. An “Autonomous” option is also being introduced for users who specifically want a driverless ride.
The vehicles use Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous driving technology and operate without a human safety driver. The local fleet is operated by New Horizon Luxury Transport.
The launch expands Dubai’s growing driverless transport network and strengthens its position as a major testing ground for autonomous mobility. Baidu and Uber plan to expand the service area as operations develop.
Dubai has set a target for 25% of all transportation trips to be autonomous by 2030. The arrival of Apollo Go on Uber supports that wider smart-mobility vision while giving residents a chance to experience fully driverless transport through an app they already use.
For now, availability remains limited to selected areas, but the rollout could mark another major step towards making autonomous taxis a regular part of daily travel in Dubai.
