Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai, UAE: In a groundbreaking move, Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) has partnered with Baidu Inc. to introduce commercial driverless ride-hailing taxi services through the Apollo Go app, marking its initial international launch.

This partnership merges Apollo Go’s state-of-the-art autonomous technology with DTC’s extensive local operational capabilities. Leveraging DTC’s established status as the emirate's top taxi operator, the initiative is part of Dubai’s ambition to convert 25% of all transport journeys into automated and smart routes by the year 2030.

The initial rollout features 50 autonomous vehicles, with the intention to expand to over 1,000 driverless taxis in subsequent years. Riders can conveniently book their journeys through the Apollo Go app, which is available on both the Play Store and App Store, with plans to integrate services with Bolt and other e-hailing platforms in the future.

Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of the Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group, stated:
"This collaboration with DTC signifies a pivotal moment for autonomous transport in Dubai. By fusing advanced technology with local knowledge, we are set to provide a safe, efficient, and scalable ride-hailing experience, setting new benchmarks in the sector."

Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, Group CEO of DTC, mentioned:
"This initiative marks an important step in Dubai’s journey toward smart mobility. With Baidu's leading-edge technology and the support from the Roads and Transport Authority, we're poised to revolutionize taxi services, improving safety, reliability, and overall customer satisfaction."

DTC operates more than 6,000 taxis and limousines, boasting three decades of operational expertise. Its cutting-edge monitoring and data systems ensure safety and seamless experiences across all autonomous rides, underscoring its leadership in future mobility innovations.

Earlier in the year, Apollo Go obtained Dubai's first permit for driverless testing of fully autonomous vehicles without a safety driver and launched the Apollo Go Park, its first international operations center. The platform has provided 20 million rides globally, traveling over 300 million autonomous kilometers, with a robust safety record.

This launch solidifies Dubai’s position as a key global player in autonomous mobility innovation, in line with its 2030 Self Driving Transport Strategy and its vision for next-generation transport solutions.

#Dubai News #UAE News