Dubai Launches Fully Autonomous RT6 Taxi, Marking a Major Leap in Smart Mobility
Dubai has reached a major milestone in its journey toward future-ready transportation with the official launch of fully autonomous RT6 taxi operations, developed by Baidu Apollo Go. The launch reinforces the emirate’s position as a global leader in smart mobility, artificial intelligence, and innovation-driven urban development.
A Landmark Launch Led by Dubai’s Leadership
The official operations were launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
To mark the occasion, His Highness took a ride in one of the fully autonomous RT6 vehicles to the venue of the World Governments Summit at Madinat Jumeirah. This symbolic journey highlighted Dubai’s rapid progress in translating its future mobility vision into real-world applications. The milestone paves the way for the public launch of autonomous taxi services in Q1 2026.
Advanced AI-Powered Autonomous Mobility
During the ride, His Highness was briefed on the advanced operating mechanism of the RT6 autonomous vehicle. The taxi functions through a highly integrated system powered by:
- Artificial intelligence
- Advanced sensing technologies
- Autonomous decision-making systems
These technologies ensure safe, seamless, and reliable mobility in real urban environments, including roads open to live traffic.
Senior leaders, including His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), attended the launch event.
RT6 Vehicle Specifications and Capabilities
The RT6 represents the sixth generation of autonomous taxi vehicles, purpose-built for large-scale autonomous mobility services. It is equipped with more than 40 high-performance sensors, including:
- High-precision LiDAR systems
- Multi-band radar
- Advanced camera systems
These components allow the vehicle to accurately perceive its surroundings, adapt to changing traffic conditions, and make real-time decisions in line with approved transport safety standards.
The vehicle operates on an advanced software ecosystem that integrates:
- Real-time data processing
- High-definition mapping
- Deep-learning algorithms
This enables smooth navigation through complex urban environments, safe interaction with pedestrians and vehicles, and full compliance with traffic laws and regulations.
Proven Global Experience Behind the Technology
The RT6 technology is supported by extensive operational experience. Baidu Apollo Go’s autonomous vehicles have:
- Completed over 150 million kilometres of safe autonomous driving
- Delivered more than 10 million autonomous trips across multiple cities
This proven track record has enabled the development of mature, scalable operational models suitable for large-scale commercial deployment.
Rapid Progress Through Strategic Collaboration
The driverless taxi service is the result of close cooperation between Dubai RTA and Baidu Apollo Go, which began following a meeting at the World Governments Summit 2025. The collaboration quickly progressed from discussions to action, leading to:
- The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- Operational trials on selected roads across Dubai
The transition from planning to implementation was achieved in approximately 10 months, demonstrating Dubai’s efficient regulatory framework, rapid decision-making, and readiness of its smart infrastructure.
Dubai’s First Autonomous Vehicle Operations Centre Outside China
As part of its long-term commitment to Dubai, Baidu Apollo Go inaugurated its first autonomous vehicle operations and control centre outside China. Located at Dubai Science Park, the facility spans 2,000 square metres and serves as a fully integrated hub for managing autonomous taxi operations.
The centre includes:
- A command and control centre
- Simulation and training rooms
- Operations and maintenance facilities
It enables continuous monitoring of vehicle performance, software updates, safety testing, and rapid response to operational requirements. The facility also supports plans to expand the autonomous taxi fleet in Dubai to over 1,000 vehicles in the coming years.
Shaping the Future of Transport in Dubai
The launch of the fully autonomous RT6 taxis marks a significant step in Dubai’s ambition to build a smart, sustainable, and AI-driven mobility ecosystem. Through innovation, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships with global leaders, Dubai continues to enhance quality of life, improve mobility efficiency, and strengthen its position as a global pioneer in shaping the future of transport.