Dubai Prepares to Welcome Robotaxis on Its Roads by 2026
Dubai has always been a city that embraces the future faster than most. From flying taxis to AI-driven smart services, innovation is at the core of its vision. The latest addition to this futuristic lineup is robotaxis. Chinese tech giant Baidu, through its autonomous vehicle arm Apollo Go, has secured Dubai’s very first licence to test driverless taxis. This move could transform how people commute in the emirate, making Dubai one of the earliest cities outside China to adopt robotaxis on its roads.
Baidu’s Big Win in Dubai
The announcement was made during the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport in September 2025. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) granted Apollo Go the very first licence (numbered 001) to begin testing autonomous taxis in the city. Initially, 50 vehicles will be deployed across 2025, with the goal of scaling up to 1,000 robotaxis by 2028—if all safety and performance benchmarks are met.
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Why Robotaxis Matter
The Apollo Go robotaxis aren’t just any cars. They are sixth-generation RT6 models equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, meaning they can function without a human driver in most conditions. The vehicles are designed to navigate complex traffic scenarios, re-route in case of obstacles, and handle harsh weather—making them suitable for Dubai’s dynamic roads.
For Dubai, robotaxis align perfectly with its Smart City strategy, which envisions sustainable, tech-powered transport. The UAE has long aimed to make 25% of all trips in Dubai autonomous by 2030, and Baidu’s arrival marks a major milestone toward that goal.
A Proven Track Record in China
While this is Baidu’s first major international project, Apollo Go is already a household name in China. The company operates in 16 Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. To date, it has facilitated over 14 million rides and clocked more than 200 million kilometers of driverless travel. With that experience, Baidu brings real-world credibility to Dubai’s ambitious transport experiments.
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Competition in the Driverless Race
The global autonomous vehicle market is heating up. Tesla continues testing self-driving features in the U.S., while Chinese companies like Baidu are pushing ahead with real-world robotaxi deployments. Industry analysts predict that the autonomous vehicle market could generate USD 300–400 billion in revenue by 2035.
By becoming one of the first cities outside China to approve large-scale robotaxi testing, Dubai positions itself as a global hub not only for fintech and blockchain but also for smart mobility.
Safety, Trust, and Data
One of the most important factors for the success of robotaxis will be public trust. These vehicles are loaded with sensors and AI systems that gather data to improve performance. Engineers then use this data to enhance safety features and decision-making.
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How Robotaxis Will Change Daily Life
If robotaxis succeed, they could change how Dubai residents and tourists move around the city:
- Lower commuting costs by reducing reliance on private cars.
- Reduced congestion through optimized AI-powered traffic management.
- 24/7 availability, providing safe rides at any hour.
- Eco-friendly options when combined with electric vehicle technology.
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Final Thoughts
Dubai’s decision to welcome Baidu’s robotaxis is another bold step in its journey to become a global leader in innovation. By 2026, the sight of driverless cars on Sheikh Zayed Road or cruising around Downtown may no longer be futuristic fiction—it will be part of daily life.
With Baidu’s experience in China and Dubai’s ambitious vision, the city is set to become one of the first international hubs where robotaxis move from concept to reality. It’s yet another reason why Dubai continues to stay ahead in shaping the cities of tomorrow.
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