Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE: UBER) and Baidu Inc (NASDAQ: BIDU) launched fully driverless Apollo Go robotaxis on Uber’s platform in Dubai on Thursday. The launch marks the first deployment under the companies’ multi-year partnership. New Horizon Luxury Transport will operate the fleet.

Riders in Dubai requesting UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle. To increase the likelihood of being matched with a robotaxi, riders can select the dedicated "Autonomous" option in the Uber app. At initial launch, the service is available in select locations in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans to expand the operating territory in the future.

Partnership Milestones

This launch represents the inaugural step in a strategic partnership between Uber and Baidu. Dubai serves as the launchpad for scaling thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network. The collaboration reinforces Uber’s position as a platform for autonomous vehicles (AVs) and demonstrates its multi-partner vision on public roads.

Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber, stated that bringing the partnership to life is a major step forward in expanding autonomous mobility globally. He noted that combining advanced autonomous technology with Uber’s global marketplace can accelerate an electric, shared, and autonomous future. "Launching in Dubai marks the first time our multi-partner vision comes to life on public roads," Maredia said.

Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group, described the launch as a meaningful milestone. He highlighted that Dubai is the first city where Baidu has successfully established a dual-model offering both self-operated and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services internationally.

Vehicle Specifications

The service utilizes Apollo Go’s sixth-generation RT6, a purpose-built, fully electric robotaxi designed for fully driverless operations. Each vehicle accommodates up to three passengers and is equipped with more than 30 sensors for comprehensive perception of its surroundings and real-time onboard data processing.

Operational Scale

Apollo Go brings experience in large-scale, real-world deployment to the partnership. To date, Apollo Go has spanned 28 cities globally. Its fleets have accumulated over 350 million autonomous kilometers, including over 240 million fully driverless autonomous kilometers, with an outstanding safety record.

Uber maintains that safety remains its top priority. All autonomous vehicles, including Baidu’s Apollo Go, must adhere to Uber’s stringent Safety Guidelines before operating on the network. Uber currently has more than 30 AV partners and completes millions of autonomous trips each year, building what it describes as the industry’s first hybrid network where autonomous vehicles and drivers work side by side.

Market Reaction

Baidu shares were up 0.34% at $93.19 and Uber Technologies shares were up 0.21% at $78.20 during premarket trading on Thursday.

Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) confirmed that CEO Dara Khosrowshahi will deliver a keynote address at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia & Technology Conference. The session is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, at 10:10 am PT (1:10 pm ET).

The conference serves as a key platform for technology sector leaders to engage with investors and analysts. Uber’s participation highlights its continued focus on strategic communication with the financial community regarding its platform growth and operational metrics.

Event Details

An audio webcast of the keynote will be accessible through the investor relations section of Uber’s official website. The event provides an opportunity for stakeholders to hear directly from management about the company’s direction.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. Founded in 2010, the company has facilitated more than 79 billion trips. Its platform focuses on connecting people, food, and goods across cities globally.