WeRide and Uber Launch First Fully Driverless Robotaxi Commercial Service in the Middle East, Marking a Major Leap Forward in Autonomous Mobility
In a landmark moment for the future of mobility, WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD, HKEX: 0800.HK), one of the world’s leading autonomous driving technology companies, and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) have officially launched Level 4 fully driverless Robotaxi commercial operations in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This significant deployment positions Abu Dhabi as the first city in the Middle East, and the first city outside the United States, to integrate fully autonomous vehicles into the Uber platform for commercial use—setting a new global benchmark for autonomous ride-hailing.
The launch was enabled by the world’s first city-level permit outside the U.S. for fully driverless Robotaxi services, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a forward-thinking hub for innovation, smart mobility, and regulatory leadership in autonomous technology.
A Historic Milestone for the UAE’s Mobility Transformation
The introduction of fully driverless Robotaxis into Abu Dhabi’s transportation ecosystem marks a pivotal step in the UAE’s long-term strategy to modernize its mobility infrastructure. The launch supports the nation’s broader goals to integrate AI-powered solutions, reduce congestion, enhance safety, and revolutionize public and private transport options.
This groundbreaking advancement follows a multi-year collaboration between WeRide, Uber, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of Abu Dhabi, and local fleet operator Tawasul. Their combined efforts have resulted in a regulatory and operational framework that allows autonomous vehicles to function seamlessly within the city’s transport network.
Driverless Commercial Operations Begin on Yas Island
Public commercial operations officially began today without a vehicle specialist or safety driver onboard—making the rollout one of the most advanced autonomous deployments globally. The first service area is Yas Island, a major tourism, entertainment, and residential hub known for its wide roads, modern infrastructure, and suitability for autonomous vehicle testing and deployment.
Passengers can now experience autonomous travel on Uber through multiple categories:
- Uber Comfort
- UberX
- Autonomous – Uber’s first-ever dedicated category for autonomous rides globally
This milestone is the result of significant progress over recent years, including WeRide’s achievement in October 2025, when the company became the first autonomous vehicle operator to secure a federal permit allowing fully driverless commercial operations in the UAE.
Following the federal approval, the ITC issued WeRide and Tawasul the first operational license enabling commercial Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. This green light paved the way for today’s commercial launch and the beginning of a new era in everyday transportation within the emirate.
Laying the Groundwork for Large-Scale Autonomous Mobility
The commercial launch of fully driverless operations is only the beginning of a much broader vision. WeRide and Uber have outlined an ambitious plan to scale the autonomous Robotaxi fleet to thousands of vehicles across the Middle East over the next several years.
Both companies believe this long-term expansion will revolutionize transportation by delivering safer, more efficient, and more sustainable mobility alternatives while reducing operating costs and improving utilization rates.
Notably, with continued improvements in operational efficiency, vehicle maintenance strategies, and route optimization, the WeRide–Uber Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi is on track to achieve breakeven unit economics—a major achievement in an industry where commercial viability has been a key challenge for autonomous driving companies worldwide.
A Four-Year Head Start: WeRide’s First-Mover Advantage in Abu Dhabi
WeRide’s operational footprint in the UAE dates back to 2021, giving the company a strong first-mover advantage and a deep understanding of the region’s regulatory, environmental, and operational landscape. Over the past four years, WeRide has worked closely with Abu Dhabi authorities to build one of the most advanced autonomous mobility ecosystems in the region.
Key achievements include:
- 2021: Initial Robotaxi operations launched in Abu Dhabi.
- 2023: WeRide becomes the first company in the UAE to receive a national license covering all types of autonomous vehicles.
- 2024: Commercial Robotaxi partnership launched with Uber—the largest deployment of its kind outside the U.S. and China.
- July 2025: Robotaxi network expands to cover nearly half of Abu Dhabi’s core urban areas.
- Late 2025: Plans to extend service to additional parts of the city core.
Today, WeRide maintains a fleet of more than 100 Robotaxis in the Middle East, positioning it as one of the most active autonomous mobility operators in the region.
A Milestone for Uber’s Global Autonomous Strategy
The launch in Abu Dhabi represents a significant development for Uber, which has been expanding its autonomous mobility partnerships globally. For Uber, integrating fully driverless vehicles into its platform is a major component of its long-term strategy to enhance safety, expand capacity, and reduce operating costs.
The debut of the dedicated “Autonomous” ride option on Uber’s app in Abu Dhabi is particularly notable, as it represents the first fully autonomous category ever introduced by the company. Uber intends to use the Abu Dhabi deployment as a model for future expansions into additional international markets.
Strong Support from Abu Dhabi’s Transport Authorities
The success of the launch is closely tied to the proactive approach taken by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), which has played a central role in enabling regulatory frameworks that promote innovation while ensuring safety and compliance. By creating a clear permitting structure and supporting the integration of autonomous vehicles into the transportation network, the ITC has placed Abu Dhabi among the most advanced cities globally when it comes to adopting next-generation mobility technologies.
Local fleet operator Tawasul has also been a crucial partner, supporting vehicle operations, coordination, and the development of a scalable logistics framework needed for long-term autonomous fleet deployment.
A Blueprint for the Future of Urban Mobility in the Middle East
With the introduction of fully driverless Robotaxis, Abu Dhabi stands at the forefront of mobility innovation—not only within the Middle East but globally. The collaboration between WeRide, Uber, ITC, and Tawasul has created a model for how public and private sector partnerships can accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and deliver meaningful benefits to residents, visitors, and the broader transportation ecosystem.
As WeRide and Uber continue to expand their presence in the region, the companies plan to:
- Scale Robotaxi fleets across more districts of Abu Dhabi.
- Introduce autonomous mobility into additional UAE cities.
- Expand operations to other Middle Eastern markets.
- Strengthen safety, reliability, and performance metrics through ongoing technological improvements.
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