Dubai continues to reinforce its global reputation as a pioneer in smart mobility and advanced transport solutions through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge infrastructure. The inauguration of Baidu Apollo Go Dubai Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre at Dubai Science Park marks a significant milestone in the emirate’s journey towards large-scale autonomous transportation. As Baidu Apollo Go’s first such facility outside China, the centre highlights Dubai’s readiness to host next-generation mobility technologies within a robust regulatory and innovation-driven environment.
Baidu Apollo Go Dubai Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre
Supporting Dubai’s Autonomous Transport Strategy, the newly inaugurated centre represents a landmark development in the emirate’s autonomous mobility ecosystem. Spanning 2,000 square metres, the facility is designed as a comprehensive hub to oversee and manage autonomous vehicle operations across the emirate. It integrates infrastructure resource management, digital services and internet-based applications to ensure seamless and efficient deployment of autonomous transport solutions.
More than a control facility, the centre reflects Dubai’s forward-looking approach to transport innovation. It supports the emirate’s broader vision of leveraging artificial intelligence and smart infrastructure to enhance mobility, safety and sustainability. The launch also demonstrates the confidence of global technology leaders in Dubai’s advanced transport framework and innovation-friendly policies.
Centre Facilities and Capabilities
The Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre has been developed as a fully integrated ecosystem dedicated to autonomous vehicle management. It incorporates intelligent road infrastructure systems, charging facilities, maintenance zones and advanced technological platforms that support autonomous driving operations.
Promoting the use of self-driving transport in Dubai, the key components of the centre include a simulation room for testing and validating autonomous driving scenarios, a training room for operational readiness and safety preparedness and an operations and maintenance unit responsible for the daily management of the autonomous fleet. The centre oversees vehicle operations, routine inspections, charging schedules, software updates and component maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Additionally, the facility supports safety testing protocols and enables rapid response to operational commands. It also facilitates structured roles for safety drivers and operational staff, covering areas such as test readiness, safety awareness, training programmes, inventory management and administrative support. The centre is aligned with Apollo Go’s expansion plans, which aim to scale the autonomous vehicle fleet in Dubai to more than 1,000 vehicles in the coming years.
Apollo Go Autonomous Vehicle Trials in Dubai
The opening of the centre builds on a series of strategic steps taken to advance towards the future of driverless cars in Dubai. Following a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Baidu Apollo Go in March 2025, the collaboration moved swiftly towards implementation.
In July 2025, Baidu Apollo Go received Dubai’s first autonomous driving trial permit, authorising the company to conduct operational trials on designated public roads. This was followed in August 2025 by the launch of trials involving 50 RT6 autonomous vehicles operating across selected routes in the emirate.
A defining milestone was the granting of Dubai’s first permit allowing fully autonomous vehicle trials without a safety driver behind the wheel. This achievement represents a critical step towards the commercial deployment of autonomous ride-hailing services, with plans to launch a fully integrated service in the first quarter of 2026.
RTA Autonomous Vehicle Operations Strengthening Dubai’s Position in Smart Mobility
The establishment of Baidu Apollo Go Dubai operations centre underscores the emirate’s growing stature as a global hub for future transport technologies. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s strategic objectives to enhance road safety, improve transport efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and elevate overall quality of life through innovative mobility solutions.
By fostering partnerships with leading global technology companies, Dubai continues to position itself as a living laboratory for autonomous transport and artificial intelligence applications. The autonomous vehicle control centre also supports the development of a flexible and secure legislative framework capable of adapting to rapid technological advancements in the mobility sector.
FAQs
What is the Baidu Apollo Go Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre in Dubai?
It is a dedicated facility at Dubai Science Park designed to manage, monitor and support the operation of autonomous vehicles, marking Baidu Apollo Go’s first centre outside China.
Who authorised the autonomous vehicle trials in Dubai?
Dubai’s RTA granted the permits, including the emirate’s first approval for fully driverless trials without a safety driver.
What functions does the centre perform?
The centre manages daily vehicle operations, maintenance, charging, software updates, safety testing, training and operational readiness for autonomous vehicles.
When are commercial autonomous ride-hailing services expected to launch?
A fully integrated commercial autonomous ride-hailing service is planned for launch in the first quarter of 2026.
This is everything about Baidu Apollo Go’s Autonomous Vehicles Operations and Control Centre. The inauguration marks a decisive step in advancing autonomous mobility and reinforces Dubai’s commitment to shaping the future of transportation through innovation, strategic partnerships and intelligent infrastructure.
UAE’s autonomous vehicle laws show the country’s commitment to promoting the use of driverless vehicles. The trials of fully autonomous vehicles are ongoing; however, there are numerous options for new cars for sale in Dubai that come with a plethora of futuristic features.Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more updates on transformative initiatives shaping the UAE’s transport sector.
Cover image credits: Dubai Media Office
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