Sheikh Hamdan rides a driverless taxi in Dubai on February 5, 2026.

Dubai has taken a major step toward the future of transport as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially launched the emirate’s fully autonomous taxi service. The Crown Prince of Dubai took a ride in a driverless RT6 vehicle developed by Baidu Apollo Go to the World Governments Summit at Madinat Jumeirah on January 5, marking the start of official operations. The service is scheduled to open to the public in the first quarter of 2026. During the journey, Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on how the vehicle operates using artificial intelligence, advanced sensing systems and autonomous decision-making technology. The car is equipped with more than 40 sensors, including high-precision LiDAR, radars and cameras, enabling it to detect its surroundings and respond safely to real-time traffic conditions. The system integrates high-definition maps, real-time data and deep-learning algorithms to navigate complex urban environments while complying fully with traffic regulations. The launch follows cooperation between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Baidu Apollo Go, which accelerated after discussions during the World Governments Summit 2025. Within approximately 10 months, the partnership moved from planning to operational trials on selected roads, demonstrating Dubai’s fast decision-making and advanced infrastructure. Baidu Apollo Go has also established its first autonomous vehicle operations and control centre outside China in Dubai Science Park. The 2,000-square-metre facility includes a command centre, simulation and training rooms, and maintenance facilities. It will oversee fleet management, performance monitoring, software updates and safety testing as the service expands. Globally, the operator’s vehicles have completed more than 150 million kilometres of safe driving and conducted over 10 million autonomous trips, contributing to scalable operational models for commercial deployment. Plans are in place to expand Dubai’s fleet to more than 1,000 vehicles in the coming years. The initiative forms part of Dubai’s broader strategy to build a smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem powered by innovation and artificial intelligence. ICA/Expat Media
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