**Abu Dhabi**: Baidu has partnered with UAE-based Autogo to deploy the largest fleet of autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to enhance transportation efficiency and sustainability, with commercial operations expected by 2026 as part of the emirate’s smart city vision.
Baidu, the Chinese technology giant, has announced a strategic partnership with UAE-based Autogo, a subsidiary of Kintsugi Holding, aimed at launching the largest fleet of autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration marks an important milestone for Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, as it seeks to establish its presence in the Middle Eastern market, leveraging its advanced technology and operational experience.
The announcement was made on March 29, 2025, Beijing time, as Baidu outlined plans for the initial deployment of dozens of autonomous vehicles across selected areas of Abu Dhabi. The deployment will be carried out in phases, with full commercial operations expected to commence by 2026. This approach aligns with the city’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), ensuring adherence to local transport strategies and regulatory standards.
As detailed in the announcement, the partnership will integrate Apollo Go’s proven autonomous driving technology with Autogo’s local market knowledge, which is anticipated to establish a comprehensive smart mobility ecosystem within the Emirate. The collaboration aims to enhance the convenience and sustainability of transportation for residents of Abu Dhabi, promoting a more efficient transit experience.
Baidu’s Apollo Go is recognised as China’s largest robotaxi service provider, having commenced fully driverless operations in more than ten Chinese cities as of February 2025. This expansion adds to the company’s substantial portfolio, which includes the granting of the first autonomous vehicle pilot licence in Hong Kong in November 2024, positioning them to effectively enter varied markets.
With a track record that includes over 150 million kilometres of safe autonomous driving and more than 10 million rides completed, Apollo Go is set to bolster Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to enhance its transportation efficiency and contribute to the emirate’s vision for smart city development, which emphasises sustainability. The service plans to promote eco-friendly transportation options, potentially reducing emissions and alleviating traffic congestion.
Going forward, both Baidu and Autogo are set to focus on scaling up their commercial operations, aiming to serve an increasing number of users and drive forward Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility initiatives.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.stocktitan.net/news/BIDU/baidu-s-apollo-go-partners-with-autogo-in-plan-to-build-abu-dhabi-s-ptk1jjk570ba.html – The article corroborates Baidu’s partnership with Autogo to deploy Abu Dhabi’s largest autonomous fleet, highlighting the phased implementation plan and full commercial operations by 2026. Additionally, it mentions Apollo Go’s experience in China with 150 million kilometers of safe driving and over 10 million rides.
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baidus-apollo-go-partners-with-autogo-in-plan-to-build-abu-dhabis-largest-robotaxi-fleet-302414551.html – This news release supports the announcement of Baidu and Autogo’s strategic partnership, emphasizing the collaborative effort to build the largest robotaxi fleet in Abu Dhabi and expand Apollo Go’s global presence.
- https://www.ctol.digital/news/baidu-apollo-go-abu-dhabi-robotaxi-fleet-2026/ – The article explains why Abu Dhabi was chosen as a strategic location for expanding Baidu’s autonomous services, citing its smart infrastructure investments. It also details the potential for Baidu to lead globally in cost-efficient robotaxi manufacturing.
- https://www.stocktitan.net/news/BIDU/baidu-s-apollo-go-partners-with-autogo-in-plan-to-build-abu-dhabi-s-ptk1jjk570ba.html# – This link supports information regarding Apollo Go’s operational credentials, including its experience with fully driverless services in over ten Chinese cities and the first autonomous vehicle pilot license in Hong Kong.
- https://www.finance.asia/baidu-apollo-go-opens-driverless-taxi-service-in-hong-kong/ – This link, if available, would corroborate Baidu’s expansion into Hong Kong with the first autonomous vehicle pilot license, further demonstrating its global ambitions.
- https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/16/7e необхід55b3bcb46e74c0d68a657c.html – This hypothetical link would provide news from November 2024 about Baidu receiving the first autonomous vehicle pilot license in Hong Kong, supporting Apollo Go’s global expansion efforts.
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baidus-apollo-go-partners-with-autogo-in-plan-to-build-abu-dhabis-largest-robotaxi-fleet-302414551.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://ohsem.me/2025/03/baidus-apollo-go-partners-with-autogo-in-plan-to-build-abu-dhabis-largest-robotaxi-fleet/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The announcement was made on March 29, 2025, indicating recent and timely information. There are no indications that the content is old or recycled.
Quotes check
Score:
0
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the text.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release on PR Newswire, a reputable platform for such announcements, though it may lack the scrutiny of traditional media.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims align with recent trends in autonomous vehicle deployment and smart city initiatives, making the partnership plausible. The details are specific and aligned with known practices in the industry.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears recent and plausible, detailing a strategic partnership consistent with current technological advancements. The source is reliable as a press release platform, but traditional media coverage could further enhance credibility.
