Dubai Launches Autonomous Ride-Hailing with Uber

Explore Dubai’s leap into autonomous ride-hailing with Uber & Baidu’s Apollo Go, reshaping urban mobility and smart transport solutions for travel agents and aviation partners.

Revolutionizing Urban Mobility: Dubai’s Autonomous Ride-Hailing Launch with Uber & Baidu

Dubai is setting a new industry benchmark by introducing fully autonomous ride-hailing services on the Uber platform — a global first with major implications for travel and transport ecosystems. 

A Strategic Move in Smart Transport Innovation

In February 2026, Baidu and Uber, in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), announced the launch of autonomous ride-hailing services via the Apollo Go robotaxi fleet. This major development will initially roll out in the Jumeirah area, with plans for phased expansion across the city as operational experience and regulatory frameworks evolve. 

Apollo Go vehicles will be available directly through the Uber app when booking rides such as UberX or Uber Comfort, or by selecting a dedicated “Autonomous” option. Third-party operator New Horizon will oversee fleet operations to ensure service reliability and safety standards. 

What This Means for Travel Professionals

Enhanced Mobility Options

Dubai’s autonomous service plug-in to Uber’s booking ecosystem delivers:

• Seamless access for residents and visitors via a familiar app interface.

• Integration into existing modal choices, supporting both routine and on-demand transport needs.

Travel agencies, corporate travel planners, and airline partners can now offer clients next-generation mobility options that enhance ground transport services tied to airline connections, hotel stays, and premium concierge travel packages.

Strengthening Dubai’s Vision 2030 Goals

This initiative aligns with the Dubai Vision 2030 strategy — targeting that 25 % of all urban trips be autonomous by 2030 — while supporting sustainability goals, reducing congestion, and lowering emissions from traditional vehicles.

The Apollo Go Advantage

Apollo Go represents one of the most mature autonomous ride-hailing services globally:

• Operating in 22 cities worldwide, with extensive distance logged under autonomous control. 

• Millions of autonomous rides completed, demonstrating operational robustness and scalability.

For travel professionals, this signals growing consumer acceptance and readiness for autonomous mobility as part of comprehensive travel experiences.

Benefits for High-Value Routes

• Enhanced mobility for frequent business travelers within urban hubs.

• Better service options for premium clients seeking unique transport experiences.

• Opportunity to build differentiated travel products that include autonomous transfers.

Regulatory and Operational Considerations

The RTA-led initiative ensures services comply with Dubai’s transportation safety and innovation policies. Deployment will be adaptive — expanding city coverage as real-world data and regulatory approvals guide operational rollout.

For travel and airline partners, Dubai’s approach offers a model of public-private collaboration in emerging mobility technologies.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Dubai’s leap into autonomous ride-hailing isn’t just technological — it’s commercial and strategic:

• It enhances the city’s appeal as a premium travel destination.

• It provides travel agents with new mobility products to sell.

• It supports corporate clients with efficient, predictable ground transport solutions.

As autonomous mobility grows, travel planners can leverage integrated transport options to enhance client satisfaction, streamline itineraries, and create competitive differentiation in travel offerings.

Conclusion

Dubai’s deployment of autonomous ride-hailing services via Uber and Baidu marks a pivotal shift in urban mobility. For the travel industry — especially B2B travel agents, consolidators, and corporate travel planners — this presents an exciting opportunity to align travel products with a smart, efficient, and customer-centric transport future.

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