Baidu will deploy its latest RT6 model on Dubai roads. RTA

Dubai will soon begin operational trials of 50 autonomous taxis as part of a large-scale rollout of self-driving vehicles, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the RTA and Baidu’s Apollo Go—China’s leading autonomous ride-hailing service. The experimental phase is expected to begin in the coming months and is a key milestone toward the official public launch of autonomous taxis in Dubai by 2026. The MoU was signed during a ceremony attended by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA, and Halton Niu, General Manager of Overseas Business at Baidu's Intelligent Driving Group (IDG). “This MoU marks a pivotal step towards the realisation of Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25 percent of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys by 2030,” said Al Tayer. “Self-driving transport has become a reality, with global companies accelerating the development of the necessary technology and software.” Baidu will deploy its latest RT6 model—an advanced sixth-generation self-driving vehicle equipped with 40 sensors and detectors for enhanced safety and automation. The RT6 has already completed over 150 million kilometers in autonomous driving and facilitated more than 10 million driverless trips in China, making Apollo Go the largest autonomous vehicle operator globally. "This collaboration with RTA demonstrates Dubai's proactive embrace of innovative technology," said Niu. "Apollo Go is committed to delivering smart mobility solutions that empower communities and promote sustainable urban transport.” Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at RTA, emphasized the societal benefits of the initiative, saying: “Self-driving transport will improve quality of life for all segments of society, especially children and the elderly, while also enhancing road safety.” The trials will start with 50 vehicles and are expected to scale up to 1,000 autonomous taxis over the next three years. ICA/Expat Media
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