Introduction
In a move that reinforces Dubai’s leadership in smart mobility and artificial intelligence, His Excellency Matar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), alongside Yunpeng Wang, Executive Vice President of Baidu and President of Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group, inaugurated the Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Center for Baidu Apollo Go at Dubai Science Park.
The center represents Baidu Apollo Go’s first operational facility outside China, highlighting global confidence in Dubai’s advanced regulatory framework and intelligent infrastructure.
An Integrated Hub for Autonomous Vehicle Management
Spanning 2,000 square meters, the newly launched operations center is designed as a fully integrated hub for managing and operating autonomous vehicle systems. It includes:
- A central command and control room
- Simulation and training rooms
- Operations and maintenance facilities
- Smart infrastructure management systems
- Internet-based digital applications
The center aims to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable autonomous vehicle operations in line with the highest international standards.
First Permit for Fully Driverless Vehicle Operations
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority granted Baidu Apollo Go the first permit of its kind in Dubai, allowing the company to conduct fully autonomous vehicle trials on designated public roads without a safety driver behind the wheel.
This milestone represents a significant advancement in the development of Dubai’s smart transportation ecosystem.
Advanced Facilities and Operational Capabilities
During the inspection tour, His Excellency Matar Al Tayer reviewed the center’s advanced operational capabilities, which integrate:
- Intelligent road infrastructure
- Charging and maintenance facilities
- Advanced technological systems
These capabilities align with Apollo Go’s expansion plans to grow its autonomous vehicle fleet in Dubai to more than 1,000 vehicles in the coming years.
Key Operational Responsibilities of the Center
The center oversees a wide range of operational functions, including:
- Daily autonomous vehicle operations
- Routine maintenance and charging management
- Software and AI system updates
- Vehicle inspections and component maintenance
- Safety testing and emergency response support
- Training safety operators and managing operational readiness
These functions ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and operational excellence.
Operational Roadmap Toward Commercial Launch
The opening of the center follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025 between RTA and Baidu Apollo Go, aimed at deploying autonomous taxis at scale across Dubai.
- July 2025: First permit granted for operational trials
- August 2025: Pilot trials launched with 50 autonomous RT6 vehicles
- Q1 2026: Planned launch of a fully integrated commercial autonomous ride-hailing service
Dubai Strengthens Its Position as a Global Smart Mobility Hub
His Excellency Matar Al Tayer emphasized that the inauguration of the center marks a strategic milestone in Dubai’s journey toward becoming a global leader in smart mobility and AI-powered transportation.
He noted that the initiative reflects international trust in Dubai’s regulatory environment and smart infrastructure, while contributing to:
- Enhanced quality of life
- Improved road safety
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Increased efficiency of the transport network
Expansion Across the United Arab Emirates
Executives from Baidu Apollo Go affirmed that the launch of the center and the issuance of the first fully driverless operation permit represent a pivotal moment in the company’s expansion across the United Arab Emirates.
They highlighted that this achievement demonstrates the maturity and safety of Apollo Go’s autonomous driving technologies, reinforcing their readiness for secure, sustainable, and large-scale commercial deployment.