Dubai opens Baidu Apollo Go autonomous vehicle control centre at Dubai Science Park

Dubai: Dubai has taken a new step toward smart transport with the opening of the Baidu Apollo Go Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre at Dubai Science Park. This is the first centre of its kind for Apollo Go outside China.

The centre was opened by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group. It covers an area of about 2,000 square metres and will manage the daily work of autonomous vehicles in Dubai.

Dubai Roads and Transport Authority said the new centre will be used to operate, charge, inspect and maintain driverless vehicles. It will also handle software updates, safety checks and training. The site includes a control room, training rooms, a simulation area and a maintenance unit.

Baidu received Dubai’s first permit that allows fully autonomous vehicles to drive on public roads without a safety driver inside the car. This permit is a major step toward launching driverless taxi services in the city.

The new centre supports Apollo Go’s plan to grow its fleet in Dubai to more than 1,000 autonomous vehicles in the coming years. The vehicles will be managed from the centre every day to make sure they are safe, clean and working properly.

The opening follows an agreement signed between RTA and Baidu in March 2025. The agreement focuses on running autonomous taxis across Dubai. In July 2025, Baidu received its first trial permit for autonomous driving. In August, the company began testing 50 RT6 autonomous vehicles on selected roads.

Getting approval for driverless trials without a safety driver is seen as a key milestone. It clears the way for a commercial autonomous ride service planned for early 2026.

RTA Director-General Mattar Al Tayer said the project supports Dubai’s goal to become a global leader in smart mobility and artificial intelligence in transport. He added that the centre shows global companies trust Dubai’s laws, technology and safety systems.

Baidu officials said the Dubai centre is an important step in expanding autonomous driving services in the UAE. They noted that Dubai was chosen because of its strong infrastructure and clear rules for new transport technology.

With this move, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a city that welcomes future transport solutions and smart mobility for residents and visitors alike.