Baidu's Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service Expands Into Abu Dhabi Through Apollo Go Launch

Baidu Inc. has unveiled a significant expansion of its autonomous ride-hailing ambitions with the official launch of Apollo Go services in Abu Dhabi, operating in collaboration with local partner AutoGo. The partnership marks a strategic entry into the Middle East’s autonomous mobility market, with fully driverless vehicles now operational on Yas Island through the AutoGo application. This development represents a milestone in bringing autonomous ride-hailing to the region’s urban transportation ecosystem.

Partnership Foundation And Service Rollout

The collaboration between Baidu’s Apollo platform and AutoGo began earlier in March 2025, with both organizations committed to establishing Abu Dhabi’s most extensive fully autonomous vehicle fleet. The initial phase focuses on Yas Island, a major center for leisure and entertainment activities, where passengers can now experience completely driverless ride-hailing services. This launch represents the practical application of Baidu’s advanced autonomous driving technology in a new geographic market, positioning the partnership as a regional leader in next-generation mobility solutions.

Regulatory Milestone And Commercial Operations Expansion

A pivotal achievement occurred in November 2025 when the companies obtained one of Abu Dhabi’s first permits authorizing fully autonomous commercial operations. Following regulatory approval, the partnership has committed to expanding its ride-hailing fleet to hundreds of vehicles within the 2026 timeframe. This expansion reflects the emirate’s supportive policy environment for autonomous technology innovation and demonstrates the viability of scaling autonomous ride-hailing services in controlled urban environments.

Multi-Phase Geographic Growth Strategy

Beyond the current Yas Island operations, the long-term vision encompasses a phased expansion across key Abu Dhabi districts. The planned rollout includes deployment to Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, and Saadiyat Island in successive phases, with the ultimate objective of achieving emirate-wide coverage. This geographic strategy reflects a measured approach to autonomous ride-hailing integration, allowing the service to mature within specific zones before broader implementation. The expansion roadmap underscores the operational and regulatory foundation being established for autonomous ride-hailing adoption across Abu Dhabi’s transportation infrastructure.