Autonomous Taxis Set to Revolutionize Abu Dhabi’s Transportation

Baidu’s Apollo Go and UAE-based Autogo have announced a strategic partnership to launch the largest driverless taxi fleet in Abu Dhabi. The collaboration will begin with the deployment of dozens of autonomous vehicles, followed by a phased expansion towards full commercial operations by 2026. This initiative marks Apollo Go’s entry into the UAE market, leveraging its expertise in autonomous mobility, which has been tested extensively in China. The company has already made significant progress in other regions, including Hong Kong, where Apollo Go's robotaxi service has surpassed 1.1 million rides.

The initial trials will be conducted in close coordination with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) to ensure compliance with local regulations and transport strategies. The service aims to integrate with the city’s smart mobility framework, supporting the emirate’s push towards technological innovation in public transportation. As Abu Dhabi continues to embrace next-generation mobility solutions, the introduction of autonomous ride-hailing services is expected to improve transport efficiency, reduce congestion, and offer a sustainable alternative to conventional taxi services.

Apollo Go has established itself as China’s largest autonomous ride-hailing service, operating fully driverless taxis across more than ten cities. Since receiving Hong Kong’s first autonomous vehicle pilot license in late 2024, it has successfully expanded into right-hand drive, left-hand traffic markets. The company boasts a track record of 150 million kilometers of safe autonomous driving and over ten million completed rides, reinforcing its ability to deliver reliable self-driving mobility solutions. The partnership with Autogo will enable Apollo Go to apply its proven technology in a new market, tailoring its services to the unique transportation landscape of Abu Dhabi.

Autogo, a subsidiary of Kintsugi Holding, specializes in autonomous mobility solutions and will contribute its local expertise to the project. Together, the companies aim to develop an efficient and widely accessible robotaxi network, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision for smart cities. The introduction of fully autonomous taxis is expected to complement the city's ongoing efforts to adopt artificial intelligence and sustainable transportation technologies.

An industry analyst commented:

"The partnership between Apollo Go and Autogo represents a major milestone for autonomous mobility in the UAE. Abu Dhabi’s investment in driverless transport aligns with global trends, and this initiative could set a precedent for similar projects across the region."

Baidu’s autonomous driving arm has prioritized sustainability in its expansion, with Apollo Go’s fleet consisting entirely of electric vehicles. By reducing dependence on traditional fuel-based transportation, the initiative supports the UAE’s broader sustainability goals and contributes to lowering urban emissions. As the partnership progresses, further advancements in self-driving technology and infrastructure integration are expected, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leader in smart transportation systems.