WeRide, a Chinese autonomous driving technology company, has begun offering robotaxi services on Uber Technologies’ platform in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This partnership, announced in late September, marks the first time Uber has integrated autonomous vehicles into its services outside the U.S. and establishes the largest commercially operated robotaxi fleet outside the U.S. and China, according to an announcement.
Backed by Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre and local transportation company Tawasul Transport, the new service allows Uber users to book WeRide’s robotaxis through the UberX and Uber Comfort options. Initially, the autonomous vehicles will serve core areas, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport. Wider coverage is planned in subsequent phases. During this initial rollout, each vehicle will have a safety officer on board, though the exact number of vehicles deployed has not been disclosed.
WeRide and Uber plan to commercialize fully unmanned robotaxi operations in the UAE by 2025. The collaboration signifies a significant step in the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology in the Middle East, a region increasingly investing in smart mobility solutions. However, the partnership specifically excludes the U.S. and Chinese markets, as previously emphasized by WeRide.
WeRide’s entry into Uber’s platform builds on its existing presence in the UAE, where it already operates the region’s largest robotaxi fleet through the TXAI app. In July 2023, the company received approval to test and operate autonomous vehicles on public roads in the UAE, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the region.
Founded in 2017, WeRide has become a leader in high-level intelligent driving solutions and operates in 30 cities across seven countries. It holds autonomous driving test licenses in China, the U.S., the UAE, and Singapore, making it the only company with such approvals in four nations simultaneously, according to its website.
