Baidu Plans 1,000 Robotaxis in Dubai by 2028

Baidu has announced a strategic partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority to launch its Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing service in the city, marking its first fleet deployment outside Asia. The initiative plans to introduce 100 fully autonomous RT6 robotaxis by the end of 2025, with an expansion goal of 1,000 vehicles by 2028, contributing to Dubai's target of having 25% of its transport be autonomous by 2030. This rollout is part of Baidu's broader global expansion strategy following its successful operations in China, where it has completed over 10 million rides. The deployment will also involve testing the autonomous vehicles in busy traffic environments, ensuring compliance with local laws. Baidu's entry into Dubai follows its first venture into a right-hand-drive market in Hong Kong, showcasing its commitment to adapting its technology for diverse regions. Yunpeng Wang, Baidu's VP, emphasized the alignment of this partnership with both companies' visions for the future of transportation.