Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide and Uber Technologies have launched public robotaxi services in Dubai, allowing passengers to book autonomous rides directly through the Uber app, the companies said, as the emirate pushes to expand self-driving transport.
The rollout is being carried out in coordination with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and initially covers parts of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two busy districts near major tourist and residential areas. Riders can access the service by selecting the “Autonomous” option within the Uber application.
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The launch follows a pilot phase and currently operates with a vehicle specialist on board as a safety measure. The partners said data gathered during this stage will support plans to move to a fully driverless commercial service by early 2026.
“This milestone reflects WeRide’s rapid expansion in the Middle East and the strength of our collaboration with forward-looking regulators like the RTA,” said Jennifer Li, chief financial officer of WeRide.
Fleet operations are managed locally by Tawasul, which provides vehicle maintenance and operational oversight for WeRide’s robotaxis operating on the Uber platform. WeRide said it operates close to 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, more than 100 of which are configured as robotaxis.
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Uber said the Dubai launch aligns with its strategy of integrating autonomous vehicles into its global network. “This deployment shows how Uber can help bring autonomous technology to cities in a way that complements local transport goals,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s global head of autonomous mobility.
The service supports Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, under which the RTA aims to make 25% of all journeys autonomous by 2030. Dubai recorded 153 million trips across public transport and shared mobility in 2024, with shared mobility usage rising 28% from a year earlier, according to official data.
