Fully autonomous driverless taxi launched in Dubai, UAE

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Fully autonomous driverless taxi launched in Dubai, UAE

February 6, 2026

DUBAI,— Dubai took a major step toward the future of transport as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, officially launched operations for fully autonomous RT6 taxis developed by Baidu Apollo Go.

The rollout is part of Dubai’s ongoing effort to create a smart mobility ecosystem.

Sheikh Hamdan personally rode in one of the autonomous taxis to the World Governments Summit at Madinat Jumeirah, marking a key milestone in the city’s push to implement future mobility technologies, WAM reported.

The move signals the public launch of the service, expected in the first quarter of 2026.

During the ride, Sheikh Hamdan received a briefing on how the autonomous taxis operate. The RT6 vehicle uses artificial intelligence, advanced sensing technologies, and autonomous decision-making systems to navigate roads safely in live traffic.

The system allows the vehicle to respond to changing traffic conditions and operate in real-world urban environments without human intervention.

The RT6 is the sixth generation of autonomous taxis from Baidu Apollo Go, designed for large-scale deployment. It features over 40 sensors, including high-precision LiDAR, multi-band radars, and advanced cameras.

These tools give the vehicle a full understanding of its surroundings and enable it to make real-time decisions while following approved safety standards.

The autonomous system relies on a software ecosystem that combines high-definition maps, deep-learning algorithms, and real-time data.

This allows the vehicle to navigate complex city streets, handle intersections, avoid pedestrians, and interact with other vehicles while complying with all traffic laws.

Baidu Apollo Go has extensive operational experience, with its autonomous vehicles having traveled more than 150 million kilometers safely and completed over 10 million rides in several cities.

This experience supports scalable commercial deployment for large fleets.

The project is a collaboration between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Baidu Apollo Go, following a meeting at the 2025 World Governments Summit that explored cooperation in autonomous mobility.

Fully autonomous driverless taxi launched in Dubai, UAE, February 5, 2026. Photo: WAM video/via Dubai Diplomacy

The partnership leverages Baidu’s global expertise to accelerate the adoption of advanced transport technologies in Dubai.

Baidu Apollo Go also opened its first operations and control center outside China, located at Dubai Science Park.

The 2,000-square-meter facility includes a command center, simulation and training rooms, and operational and maintenance facilities.

The center will manage daily operations, software updates, vehicle monitoring, and technical inspections, while ensuring safety and rapid responses to operational commands.

Officials said the initiative supports Dubai’s vision for a smart and sustainable mobility system. It combines AI technology, global partnerships, and innovation to improve urban transport efficiency, enhance residents’ quality of life, and reinforce the city’s position as a leader in shaping the future of mobility.

(With files from WAM)