H.H. Sheikh Hamdan launches driverless taxi operations in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has launched the official operations of fully autonomous RT6 taxi vehicles in Dubai, developed by Baidu Apollo Go.

Sheikh Hamdan took a ride in the driverless vehicle to the World Governments Summit at Madinat Jumeirah, marking a major milestone in Dubai’s adoption of future mobility solutions.

The move paves the way for the public launch of the service in the first quarter of 2026.

The RT6 taxis are powered by artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and autonomous decision-making systems, allowing safe and seamless travel in urban environments and on open roads.

Equipped with over 40 sensors, including LiDAR, radar and cameras, the vehicles can detect their surroundings, respond to traffic conditions and navigate complex city streets in real time.

The system relies on advanced software integrating real-time data, high-definition maps and deep-learning algorithms to interact safely with intersections, pedestrians and other vehicles, in full compliance with traffic laws.

Baidu’s autonomous vehicles have already completed more than 150 million kilometres of safe driving and over 10 million trips globally, providing a mature foundation for large-scale deployment in Dubai.

The project is the result of close cooperation between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Baidu Apollo Go, which began following discussions at the 2025 World Governments Summit.

From initial talks to operational trials and a signed memorandum of understanding, Dubai achieved full implementation in just 10 months, demonstrating the emirate’s smart infrastructure, regulatory efficiency and readiness to embrace advanced technology.

Hamdan bin Mohammed launches the official operations of fully autonomous RT6 taxi vehicles developed by Baidu Apollo Go, as part of Dubai’s smart mobility ecosystem. His Highness took a ride in the autonomous vehicle to the venue of the World Governments Summit at Madinat… pic.twitter.com/niTfJWYM4X

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 5, 2026

Hamdan bin Mohammed launches the official operation of Dubai’s driverless taxi service, marking a key milestone ahead of its public rollout in Q1 2026. Baidu Apollo Go plans to expand its autonomous vehicle fleet in Dubai to more than 1,000 vehicles in the coming years. pic.twitter.com/aO3HAczCbi

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 5, 2026