Baidu's Apollo Go Partners with Autogo in Plan to Build Abu Dhabi's Largest Robotaxi Fleet

Rhea-AI Summary

Baidu's autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, has partnered with UAE-based Autogo to deploy Abu Dhabi's largest fully driverless fleet. The initial phase will involve dozens of autonomous vehicles in select areas, with full commercial operations targeted for 2026.

The trials will be conducted in coordination with Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) to ensure alignment with local transport strategies and regulations. Apollo Go brings significant experience from China, where it operates fully driverless services in over 10 cities since February 2025. The service has accumulated 150 million kilometers of safe autonomous driving and over 10 million rides.

This expansion follows Apollo Go's November 2024 milestone of receiving Hong Kong's first autonomous vehicle pilot license. The all-electric service aims to enhance transportation efficiency while promoting sustainability in Abu Dhabi's urban landscape.

Positive

• Strategic expansion into UAE market with potential for largest robotaxi fleet in Abu Dhabi
• Proven track record with 150 million km of safe autonomous driving
• Successful completion of over 10 million cumulative rides
• Operating fully driverless services in 10+ Chinese cities
• First autonomous vehicle pilot license in Hong Kong market

Negative

• Full commercial operations not starting until 2026
• Initial deployment to dozens of vehicles in select areas

• During the initial period, Apollo Go and Autogo will collaborate to deploy dozens of autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi, with phased expansion planned ahead of full commercial operations by 2026.
• This marks Apollo Go's further expansion into the UAE, applying its proven autonomous driving technology and operational experience from China.
• Apollo Go and Autogo will collaborate to scale commercial operations and expect to build Abu Dhabi's largest driverless fleet.

BEIJING, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU and HKEX: 9888) announced today (March 29, 2025, Beijing Time) that its autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, has entered into a strategic partnership with Autogo, a UAE-based autonomous mobility company and subsidiary brand of Kintsugi Holding, with the goal of deploying the largest fully driverless fleet in Abu Dhabi. Through this strategic partnership, Apollo Go and Autogo aim to bring next-generation mobility to the streets of the UAE capital.

Initial trials of dozens of Apollo Go autonomous vehicles will be deployed in select areas of Abu Dhabi, with phased expansion planned ahead of full commercial operations by 2026. The trials in Abu Dhabi will be conducted in close coordination with the city's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), ensuring that the service aligns with local transport strategies, regulatory standards, and infrastructure planning as part of the emirate's smart mobility goals.

By combining Apollo Go's cutting-edge technology in autonomous driving and extensive experience in large-scale fleet operations, this partnership will enable Abu Dhabi and Autogo to rapidly build a smart mobility service ecosystem. Apollo Go's proven solutions will integrate seamlessly with Autogo's local expertise and market insight, offering residents a more convenient and sustainable transportation experience.

As Baidu's robotaxi arm, Apollo Go stands as China's largest of its kind. Since February 2025, Apollo Go has commenced 100% fully driverless operations across over 10 cities in China and continues to expand. In November 2024, Apollo Go was granted the first autonomous vehicle pilot license in Hong Kong, its first entry into a right-hand drive, left-hand traffic market.

Backed by 150 million kilometers of safe autonomous driving track record and over 10 million cumulative rides, Apollo Go brings proven technology and operational experience to the UAE, and is poised to enhance the city's transportation efficiency and smart mobility solutions. As an all-electric, on-demand service, Apollo Go also promotes a more sustainable approach to urban transportation — helping reduce emissions, ease congestion, and reshape the city landscape.

Looking ahead, Apollo Go and Autogo will work together to scale commercial operations of robotaxi services to serve more users and contribute to Abu Dhabi's smart city vision.

About Baidu

Founded in 2000, Baidu's mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, trading on the NASDAQ under "BIDU" and HKEX under "9888." One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.

Media Contact:
Intlcomm@baidu.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baidus-apollo-go-partners-with-autogo-in-plan-to-build-abu-dhabis-largest-robotaxi-fleet-302414551.html

SOURCE Baidu, Inc.

FAQ

When will Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxi service begin full commercial operations in Abu Dhabi?

Apollo Go plans to commence full commercial operations in Abu Dhabi by 2026, following initial trials and phased expansion.

How many autonomous vehicles will BIDU initially deploy in Abu Dhabi?

The initial deployment will involve dozens of autonomous vehicles in select areas of Abu Dhabi.

What is Apollo Go's operational track record in autonomous driving?

Apollo Go has achieved 150 million kilometers of safe autonomous driving and completed over 10 million cumulative rides.

How many cities does BIDU's Apollo Go operate fully driverless services in China?

Since February 2025, Apollo Go operates 100% fully driverless services in over 10 cities across China.

When did BIDU's Apollo Go receive its Hong Kong autonomous vehicle license?

Apollo Go received Hong Kong's first autonomous vehicle pilot license in November 2024.