Dubai has officially started running fully autonomous RT6 taxis, a big leap in smart transport. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and key leader, took a ride in one of these AI-powered taxis. He travelled to the World Government Summit venue at Madinat Jumeirah, proving these taxis can operate safely in live city traffic. The RT6 taxi is the sixth generation of driverless cars made by Baidu Apollo Go. It uses over 40 sensors like LiDAR, radars, and cameras to understand the environment and drive safely. Its advanced software combines real-time data, detailed maps, and deep learning to navigate complex roads and obey traffic rules. This breakthrough follows a partnership between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Baidu Apollo Go, moving from planning in early 2025 to real operation in about 10 months. Baidu opened its first autonomous vehicle control center outside China in Dubai Science Park. This center covers 2,000 square meters and manages daily controls, updates, and safety checks. Baidu Apollo Go cars have already safely driven over 150 million kilometers worldwide, completing more than 10 million autonomous trips. Dubai plans to launch the taxi service to the public in the first quarter of 2026. The aim is to expand the fleet to more than 1,000 autonomous taxis, boosting the city’s dream of smart and future-ready mobility.