Uber partners with Baidu to deploy Apollo Go robotaxis in Asia, Middle East

Dubai: Uber and Chinese tech giant Baidu Inc. have announced a strategic multi-year agreement to roll out autonomous robotaxi services across multiple countries outside of the U.S. and mainland China, with initial deployments expected later this year in Asia and the Middle East, including cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Under the new partnership, Uber riders will soon be able to book fully driverless rides powered by Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles, directly through the Uber app. Once live, eligible riders may be given the option to choose an autonomous car for their trip.

Apollo Go, which is currently the world’s largest autonomous ride-hailing network, already operates over 1,000 driverless vehicles across 15 cities globally and has completed more than 11 million public rides as of May. Its advanced AI driving systems and safety record have made it a frontrunner in commercial AV deployment.

Global tie-up

“This collaboration is a major step in taking our autonomous driving technology to a truly global stage,” said Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu. “By joining forces with Uber, we’re aiming to deliver safe, efficient, and affordable mobility to riders everywhere.”

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi echoed the sentiment: “This partnership brings together two of the most influential tech innovators to reshape the future of transport. As the largest mobility platform in the world, Uber is in a prime position to help bring Baidu’s AV tech to new markets.”

The move marks a significant expansion for both companies: for Baidu, it’s a pathway to scale its AV footprint outside China; for Uber, it’s a step closer to integrating autonomous fleets into its network globally—offering more flexible, affordable transport options.

As regulatory approvals and pilot programs progress, both companies aim to gradually scale operations in partnership with local authorities and transit agencies. More deployment details are expected to follow in the coming months.