WeRide & Uber Launch Driverless Robotaxi Service in Abu Dhabi

11/26/2025 – 02:00 AM

The launch was supported by the world’s first city-level fully driverless Robotaxi permit outside the United States (U.S.)
Abu Dhabi is the first city outside the U.S. to host fully driverless Robotaxi operations on the Uber platform.
Public commercial operations commenced today, starting with routes on Yas Island.
Initiative endorsed by Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s smart mobility vision.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD, HKEX: 0800.HK), in partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER), has officially launched Level 4 fully driverless Robotaxi commercial operations in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant leap for autonomous vehicle (AV) technology in the region. Sources familiar with the deal indicate that Abu Dhabi is the first city outside the U.S. to host fully driverless operations on the Uber platform. According to a release by the company, the launch was supported by the world’s first city-level fully driverless Robotaxi permit outside the U.S.

WeRide Robotaxi GXR fleet in Abu Dhabi

This initiative, supported by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and fleet operator Tawasul, aligns with the UAE’s broader vision for smart mobility and underscores a commitment to technological innovation. Industry analysts see this move as validating the potential of AVs to transform urban transportation in the Middle East.

Currently servicing Yas Island, the Robotaxi service is accessible through the Uber app under the “Autonomous” category, Uber’s first dedicated autonomous ride option globally. This simplifies the experience for riders accustomed to the Uber platform. WeRide received a federal permit in October 2025 to carry out fully driverless Robotaxi commercial operations.

Following this, the ITC granted WeRide and Tawasul the first operational license for a fully driverless commercial Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. The initial phase will be operated jointly by WeRide and Tawasul on the Uber platform.

Sources close to the operation indicate that, with commercial launch, regulatory support, and improving vehicle utilization, the WeRide-Uber Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi are aiming to achieve breakeven unit economics. This is a crucial step in demonstrating the long-term viability and scalability of autonomous ride-hailing services, and ultimately the path to profitability. The company’s press release supports this assertion.

The launch may support WeRide and Uber’s broader plan to expand their Middle East presence, projecting the deployment of thousands of Robotaxis in the coming years. This expansion highlights the strategic importance of the region for both companies in their pursuit of autonomous driving leadership. Observers are closely watching to see the impact of environmental factors such as desert heat, sand, and infrastructure considerations on the AV systems.

WeRide’s established presence in Abu Dhabi since 2021 provides a four-year advantage over competitors. In 2023, WeRide became the first company in the UAE to receive a national license, authorizing autonomous testing and operation on public roads across the country, subject to emirate-level approvals.

WeRide and Uber initially launched their Robotaxi ride-hailing partnership in Abu Dhabi in December 2024 – at the time the largest commercial Robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China. The partnership expanded in July 2025 to cover about half of Abu Dhabi’s core areas, including Al Reem and Al Maryah. Additional service areas are planned for Abu Dhabi’s city center by the end of 2025. WeRide currently has over 100 Robotaxis in the Middle East.

About WeRide

WeRide is a global leader and early innovator in the autonomous driving sector, and the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. WeRide’s autonomous vehicles are being tested or operated in over 30 cities across 11 countries. WeRide has secured autonomous driving permits in markets: China, the UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the US. Fueled by the WeRide One platform, the company’s products and services address mobility, logistics, and sanitation, ranging from L2 to L4 autonomy. WeRide was named to Fortune’s 2025 Change the World and 2025 Future 50 lists.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. Starting in 2010 to provide access to a ride with a simple button press, Uber has facilitated over 68 billion trips. Uber is building products to connect people and provide new possibilities.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about WeRide’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in WeRide’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and announcements on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release. WeRide does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

WeRide & Uber Launch Driverless Robotaxi Service in Abu Dhabi