Dubai, UAE (Agencies) – Global ride-hailing giant Uber and Chinese tech powerhouse Baidu Inc. have announced a landmark multi-year partnership to deploy Apollo Go autonomous robotaxis across select cities in Asia and the Middle East, with initial rollouts expected later this year in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Under the agreement, Uber users will soon be able to book fully driverless rides powered by Baidu’s Apollo Go vehicles directly through the Uber app. Once operational, eligible riders may be offered the option to choose an autonomous car for their trip, marking a major step toward mainstreaming autonomous mobility.
Apollo Go is currently the world’s largest autonomous ride-hailing network, operating over 1,000 driverless vehicles across 15 cities globally, and has completed more than 11 million public rides as of May 2025. Its advanced AI driving systems and strong safety record have positioned it as a leader in commercial autonomous vehicle (AV) deployment.
“This collaboration is a major step in taking our autonomous driving technology to a truly global stage,” said Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu. “By joining forces with Uber, we’re aiming to deliver safe, efficient, and affordable mobility to riders everywhere”.
Echoing the sentiment, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated, “This partnership brings together two of the most influential tech innovators to reshape the future of transport. As the largest mobility platform in the world, Uber is in a prime position to help bring Baidu’s AV tech to new markets”.
The partnership represents a strategic expansion for both companies: Baidu gains a pathway to scale its AV footprint beyond China, while Uber moves closer to integrating autonomous fleets into its global network—offering more flexible and cost-effective transport options.
As regulatory approvals and pilot programs advance, Uber and Baidu plan to work closely with local authorities and transit agencies to ensure safe and scalable deployment. Further details on launch timelines and city-specific operations are expected in the coming months.