WeRide And Uber Launch Fully Driverless Robotaxi Services In Abu Dhabi

WeRide and Uber Technologies have initiated the first fully driverless Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi. This venture is the first of its kind in the Middle East and the first city outside the US to feature fully autonomous operations on Uber's platform. The launch was facilitated by acquiring the first city-level fully driverless Robotaxi permit globally, excluding the US.

Public commercial operations have started without a vehicle specialist present in the autonomous vehicle. Passengers can book a WeRide Robotaxi using Uber Comfort or UberX. Additionally, a new "Autonomous" category has been introduced, marking Uber's first dedicated autonomous ride option worldwide.

In October 2025, WeRide received a federal permit for conducting fully driverless Robotaxi commercial operations. Following this, the Integrated Transport Centre granted the first operational license to WeRide and Tawasul for fully autonomous commercial services in Abu Dhabi. Initially, WeRide and Tawasul will jointly manage operations on the Uber platform.

WeRide has been a pioneer in deploying autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi since 2021, maintaining a four-year first-mover advantage. In 2023, the company became the first in the UAE to secure a national license for all self-driving vehicle types, allowing autonomous testing and operation on public roads, subject to emirate-level approvals.

The milestone supports WeRide and Uber's aim to broaden their Middle East presence by scaling up to thousands of Robotaxis in the coming years. With the commercial launch, new permits, and continuous vehicle utilization improvements, the WeRide-Uber services in Abu Dhabi aim to achieve breakeven unit economics.

In December 2024, WeRide and Uber began their partnership for Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi, establishing the largest commercial Robotaxi service outside the US and China. The collaboration extended in July 2025 to cover about half of Abu Dhabi's core areas, such as Al Reem and Al Maryah. By the end of 2025, plans are underway to expand services further within Abu Dhabi's city core.

Currently, WeRide operates over 100 Robotaxis in the Middle East, highlighting the company's significant presence in the region. The advancements in Abu Dhabi are pivotal for WeRide and Uber's broader strategy to enhance autonomous mobility solutions and scale up operations across various regions.

This initiative signifies a key advancement towards large-scale autonomous mobility solutions in the UAE, facilitated by WeRide and Uber's collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre and fleet operator Tawasul.