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Sheikh Hamdan Launches Dubai’s First Autonomous RT6 Taxi Service
Dubai has officially launched its first fully autonomous RT6 taxi service, marking a major step in the emirate’s smart mobility strategy. The initiative was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, with the rollout led by Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous driving platform.
As part of the launch, Sheikh Hamdan travelled in one of the driverless vehicles to the World Governments Summit at Madinat Jumeirah, highlighting Dubai’s rapid progress in adopting next-generation transport solutions. The autonomous taxi service is scheduled to open to the public in the first quarter of 2026.
The RT6 taxis operate using a combination of artificial intelligence, advanced sensing technologies and autonomous decision-making systems, enabling safe and efficient navigation on public roads with live traffic. The vehicles are capable of responding in real time to dynamic urban conditions while adhering to traffic regulations.
The launch was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Advanced vehicle technology
The RT6 represents the sixth generation of autonomous taxi technology and is designed for large-scale commercial deployment. Each vehicle is equipped with more than 40 sensors, including high-precision LiDAR systems, multi-band radars and advanced cameras, allowing comprehensive environmental perception and real-time decision-making.
The software platform integrates high-definition maps, real-time data processing and deep-learning algorithms, enabling safe interaction with pedestrians, intersections and surrounding vehicles in complex urban environments. Globally, Baidu Apollo Go has accumulated more than 150 million kilometres of autonomous driving and completed over 10 million driverless trips, supporting its readiness for commercial-scale operations.
Rapid progress through collaboration
The driverless taxi programme was developed through close cooperation between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Baidu Apollo Go, following initial discussions at the 2025 World Governments Summit. The transition from concept to operational trials, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, was completed within 10 months, reflecting Dubai’s agile regulatory framework and advanced infrastructure.
New operations and control centre
Baidu Apollo Go has also opened its first operations and control centre outside China at Dubai Science Park. The 2,000-square-metre facility oversees fleet management and includes a command centre, simulation and training rooms, and maintenance infrastructure. The centre monitors vehicle performance, manages software updates, conducts inspections and supports safety testing to ensure reliable and secure operations.
The launch represents a significant milestone in Dubai’s transition towards smart, sustainable and AI-enabled transportation. It is expected to enhance mobility efficiency, improve quality of life and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global leader in future urban transport. Plans are in place to expand the autonomous taxi fleet to more than 1,000 vehicles in the coming years.
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