Image Credit : apollogo
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has identified 65 locations across the emirate for the first phase of its driverless RoboTaxi rollout, marking a major step toward fully autonomous public transport.
According to an RTA video presentation, Phase 1 will span two operational zones, with 17 locations in Zone One and 48 in Zone Two. Together, they represent the largest network of public-road areas approved so far for autonomous taxi operations in Dubai.
Control centre opens at Dubai Science Park
The designated zones fall under the operational framework of Baidu Apollo Go, following the launch of its Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre at Dubai Science Park. The facility is Baidu’s first such centre outside China.
The control centre will manage the RoboTaxi fleet end to end, including vehicle maintenance, charging, software updates and continuous safety monitoring. It will also enable real-time operational oversight as autonomous vehicles begin operating on public roads within the approved zones.
First fully driverless trials approved
Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has issued the emirate’s first permit allowing fully autonomous vehicle trials without a safety driver behind the wheel. The approval clears the way for Apollo Go to move toward commercial autonomous ride-hailing services, targeted for launch in the first quarter of 2026.
The 65 locations will serve as the foundation for Apollo Go’s expansion plans in Dubai, with the company aiming to scale its fleet to more than 1,000 autonomous vehicles in the coming years.
Road to commercial operations
The initiative builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed between RTA and Baidu in March 2025 to support large-scale autonomous taxi deployment. In July 2025, Baidu received Dubai’s first autonomous driving trial permit, followed by the rollout of pilot tests using 50 RT6 autonomous vehicles in August.
These trials were conducted on both closed and open roads in areas including Dubai Silicon Oasis and Jumeirah. Commercial operations of the driverless taxi service remain subject to regulatory approvals and the successful completion of ongoing trials, with the first passenger services expected in early 2026.
