Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi platform will be deployed in Dubai through a partnership with Uber, marking Baidu’s first foray into an international market. The service benefits from Dubai’s autonomous vehicle regulations and is slated to begin operations later this year, aiming to serve both residents and tourists.

Following the expansion announcement, shares of Baidu and Uber rose as investors priced in the growth potential of autonomous mobility in the Middle East. Analysts view the Dubai launch as a key milestone for Baidu’s self-driving unit and a potential revenue driver for Uber’s mobility segment.