Uber and Baidu Launch Driverless Taxi Service in Dubai

Uber Technologies Inc. and Baidu Inc. launched Baidu's fully driverless Apollo Go taxis on the Uber platform in Dubai on Thursday.

The launch marks the first deployment under the two companies' multi-year partnership. New Horizon Luxury Transport will operate the fleet.

Driverless Service on Uber Platform

Dubai passengers requesting UberX or Uber Comfort may now be matched with Baidu's fully driverless Apollo Go vehicles. Users can also select the "autonomous" option in the Uber app to increase their chances of getting a driverless taxi.

The service initially covers specific areas in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. The two companies plan to expand the operating scope.

The launch uses the Apollo Go sixth-generation RT6. This fully electric driverless taxi can accommodate up to three passengers and is equipped with over 30 sensors. It also processes onboard driving data in real time.

Baidu said Apollo Go currently operates in 28 cities globally. Its fleet has accumulated over 350 million kilometers of autonomous driving mileage, including more than 240 million kilometers of driverless mileage.

Uber Expands Autonomous Driving Network

Dubai is the first market where Uber and Baidu have launched services together. The two companies plan to eventually deploy thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber's global network.

The expansion also supports Uber's broader autonomous vehicle strategy. The company works with more than 30 autonomous vehicle partners.

Sarfraz Maredia, Uber's head of global autonomous driving, said: "Launching in Dubai marks the first time our multi-partner vision has been realized on public roads."

Price action: In premarket trading Thursday, Baidu shares rose 0.34% to $93.19, while Uber Technologies shares rose 0.21% to $78.20.