Services in Dubai
Baidu Apollo Go Open to the public
No one in the driver’s seat · Book in: Apollo Go app, Uber · Since March 2026
Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim for Uber rides; the own-app service area is not spelled out
The public could book driverless rides on the Apollo Go app, run with Dubai Taxi Company, from 30 March 2026 (50 cars planned in year one); Uber booking followed by August 2026 and Bolt is promised later. Baidu's CEO dated the fully driverless commercial launch to July 2026.
Sources: The National, August 20, 2026; The Motley Fool via Webull, August 19, 2026; Dubai Media Office, April 2, 2026; Dubai Taxi Company, April 1, 2026; CnEVPost, March 31, 2026. Checked November 8, 2026.
WeRide Open to the public
No one in the driver’s seat · Book in: Uber · Since December 2025
Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim; a driverless trial permit also covers Dubai Silicon Oasis, Nad Al Sheba, Al Hamriya Port and other districts for later expansion
A supervised pilot on Uber began in December 2025 and paid rides with nobody on board started on 31 March 2026; Tawasul manages the fleet.
Sources: WeRide, October 27, 2026; Uber, March 31, 2026; Gulf News, December 11, 2025. Checked November 8, 2026.
Pony.ai Testing
No one in the driver’s seat
Not disclosed
Holds an RTA testing permit since September 2025 and began testing with nobody on board in April 2026, aiming for a paid public service later in 2026.
Sources: CnEVPost, April 20, 2026. Checked November 8, 2026.
What changed
Baidu Apollo Go, Dubai: Fully driverless Apollo Go cars became bookable on Uber (The National)
Pony.ai, Dubai: Started testing with nobody on board ahead of a planned paid launch (CnEVPost)
WeRide, Dubai: Began paid Uber rides with nobody on board in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim (Uber)
Baidu Apollo Go, Dubai: Launched paid fully driverless rides in its own app with Dubai Taxi Company (CnEVPost)
WeRide, Dubai: Opened a supervised pilot on Uber in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah (Gulf News)