Abu Dhabi becomes first city outside US to launch fully driverless Uber Robotaxi service with WeRide

WeRide and Uber have hit a pretty significant milestone in the world of autonomous mobility, they’ve rolled out the Middle East’s very first fully driverless Robotaxi commercial service right in Abu Dhabi. Honestly, this isn’t just about the region taking a big step into Level 4 autonomous vehicles, but it also makes Abu Dhabi the first city outside the US to host completely driverless services on the Uber platform.

The whole thing was made possible with support from the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and fleet operator Tawasul. A key point here, WeRide received the world’s first city-level permit for fully driverless Robotaxi operation outside the US. Commercial rides officially kicked off on Yas Island, where passengers can now book WeRide Robotaxis via Uber’s conventional apps like Uber Comfort and UberX. Plus, there’s a new “Autonomous” ride category, Uber’s first globally offering autonomous trips.

WeRide is a Chinese tech company specializing in autonomous driving, and it’s listed on both NASDAQ and HKEX. It’s been a pioneer in Abu Dhabi’s autonomous vehicle scene since 2021. And, good news, last year, they got a national license to test and operate autonomous vehicles across the UAE, with each emirate giving its own approval. According to a report from menews247, WeRide has over 100 Robotaxis in the Middle East now, and in Abu Dhabi, they’ve expanded their reach to key areas like Al Reem and Al Maryah. They’re also aiming to cover more downtown areas by the end of 2025.

Uber’s addition of WeRide’s autonomous cars is a smart move for its platform in this part of the world. Now, passengers who order UberX or Uber Comfort might just get a driverless ride. It really positions Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in smart urban mobility solutions with no drivers at the wheel. Reuters notes that the plan is to extend service coverage beyond the city center later this year, with hopes to scale the Robotaxi fleet to thousands in the coming years.

This whole partnership’s commercial debut has got backing from both federal and local authorities. WeRide got a federal permit back in October 2025, which authorized fully driverless Robotaxi operations, and then the ITC issued the operational license for Abu Dhabi. The partnership with Tawasul is also key, as it helps with service integration on Uber and aims at making the operation more sustainable financially by improving vehicle utilization and reaching breakeven.

All this happens in a regional landscape where autonomous vehicles are increasingly gaining ground. Chinese robotaxi firms like WeRide are actively expanding into Gulf countries, mainly because government regulations are pretty favorable and there’s solid demand for autonomous transport solutions. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have set ambitious goals, hoping autonomous vehicles will make up 25% of transportation by 2030 and 2040 respectively, showing strong support from authorities for this sector’s growth.

Industry reports show that WeRide, with its four-year head start in Abu Dhabi, is in a pretty good position to take advantage of these positive conditions. Integrating autonomous tech into well-established ride-hailing platforms like Uber is expected to help speed up public acceptance. Still, the obstacle remains, how to keep safety, customer confidence, and operational efficiency high as the service grows.

All in all, launching fully driverless Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi feels like a major stride forward in pushing climate-friendly transport tech across the UAE. Autonomous electric fleets promise to cut emissions by better utilizing vehicles and moving toward more efficient transport systems. As the region keeps pushing these innovations, it’s solidifying its spot as a global hub for cutting-edge climate and mobility tech.

To sum up, this partnership between WeRide and Uber isn’t just a local story, it’s a game-changer for autonomous mobility in the Middle East. It combines advanced technology, forward-thinking regulations, and market demand. As it grows, it could serve as a key case study for the viability of fully driverless vehicles in urban environments outside usual tech centers like the US and China.

Source: Noah Wire Services