Baidu’s fully driverless Apollo Go robotaxi service is now available to Uber riders in Dubai, with New Horizon Luxury Transport acting as fleet operator. The Uber Apollo Go Dubai launch represents the first active deployment of Uber’s multi-partner autonomous vehicle network on public roads.

Riders requesting UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle, or select the Autonomous option in the app. The service covers Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah using Apollo Go’s sixth-generation RT6, a purpose-built electric robotaxi carrying up to three passengers.

Apollo Go’s sixth-generation RT6, a purpose-built fully electric robotaxi now operating for Uber riders in Dubai’s Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah areas

Apollo Go has deployed in 28 cities globally and accumulated more than 350 million autonomous kilometres, including 240 million fully driverless kilometres, with an established safety record. Uber operates more than 30 autonomous vehicle (AV) partners and says the Dubai deployment is the first step in scaling thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across its global network.

Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber, described the deployment as demonstrating how autonomous technology and a global marketplace could accelerate a shared and autonomous future. Baidu Vice President Nan Yang said Dubai was the first city where Apollo Go operated both self-run and partner-based AV ride-hailing internationally.

Why this matters:

• Dubai’s dual-model structure lets Baidu test two operating approaches simultaneously.Running both self-operated and Uber-partnered services in the same city gives Baidu direct comparison data on which distribution model generates better unit economics before deciding how to prioritise resources in future markets.
• A local fleet operator, not Baidu or Uber, carries the operational burden.New Horizon Luxury Transport managing day-to-day fleet operations mirrors the structure Uber has used elsewhere with WeRide and other AV partners, suggesting Uber’s aggregator model consistently outsources vehicle upkeep to regional operators regardless of which autonomous driving technology sits underneath.
• Apollo Go’s accumulated mileage gives it a credibility advantage over less established entrants.With more than 240 million fully driverless kilometres logged globally, Baidu brings an operational track record that could ease regulatory and safety scrutiny in new markets faster than partners with more limited deployment history.