By the end of 2025, Uber riders in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi could be riding in fully driverless Baidu robotaxis, as the two companies announce a global partnership.
Uber and Chinese tech company Baidu have signed a major multi-year partnership to bring autonomous robotaxis to cities across Asia and the Middle East.
This collaboration will integrate Baidu’s driverless Apollo Go taxis directly into the Uber app, allowing riders to book robotaxis as easily as they would a regular ride.
Thousands of Baidu’s autonomous vehicles are set to launch through Uber’s platform later in 2025. However, the deal specifically excludes the United States and mainland China, allowing both companies to focus on international growth without direct competition in their home markets.
Although a complete list of launch cities hasn’t been disclosed, Baidu has confirmed that Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be among the first to adopt these services.
These cities already host Baidu’s test operations and are seen as early adopters of future mobility technologies.
Baidu’s Apollo Go system is not new to the industry. The company already operates over 1,000 driverless vehicles across 15 cities, having completed more than 11 million rides globally.
According to Baidu, its operational experience, along with a strong safety record, positions Baidu as a leading player in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology.
When the service launches, Uber users in select cities will see the option to book an Apollo Go robotaxi directly in the app. This move could transform how people move around dense urban centres in Asia and the Middle East.
Unlike human-driven cars, robotaxis can operate continuously without driver fatigue, which could lead to shorter wait times and wider service coverage. The absence of human drivers may also help lower operating costs, potentially making rides cheaper for passengers over time.
Safety improvements are another key selling point. Baidu’s robotaxis are powered by AI and designed to reduce accidents caused by human errors. Many of the vehicles are electric, helping cities cut emissions and promote sustainable transportation.
Financial details of the deal haven’t been revealed. Instead of a traditional payment model, both companies describe the arrangement as a strategic partnership aimed at scaling robotaxi deployment in global markets.
For Baidu, the partnership offers a fast route to global expansion. Rather than building its own ride-hailing app in foreign markets, Baidu can tap into Uber’s large user base and existing operations. This allows Baidu to monetize its AV technology investments more quickly and efficiently.
For Uber, working with Baidu marks a shift in strategy. The company had previously invested in its own AV development before selling its self-driving unit in 2020.
Now, Uber aims to become the world’s leading ride-hailing platform for autonomous rides by collaborating with firms like Baidu, Waymo, and WeRide. This approach helps Uber avoid the high costs and risks of AV research, while positioning itself at the forefront of driverless transport.
Uber is rapidly expanding its driverless services. In Austin and Atlanta, it offers Waymo robotaxi rides via its app, while testing self-driving cars in the UK with startup Wayve. It has also partnered with Pony AI and May Mobility.
Tesla launched its first public robotaxi tests in Austin last month.
Meanwhile, China’s Baidu is growing globally. Its Apollo Go robotaxis now operate in 15 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with over 11 million rides completed as of May.
While customers stand to benefit through more ride options, potentially cheaper fares, and safer, more reliable journeys, there remains the question as to how human drivers will transition to other employment, as well as whether costs to re-skill or re-deployment in other areas will be sponsored by the likes of Uber, Baidu and Tesla et als.
