Abu Dhabi: WeRide begins fully driverless Robotaxi trials across major islands including Al Maryah and Al Reem, expanding its UAE footprint. Partnership with Uber and licensing advancements highlight progress amid regulatory and commercialisation challenges faced by the autonomous transport pioneer.
WeRide, a prominent player in the autonomous driving sector, has announced the commencement of fully driverless Robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone as the first such initiative in the Middle East. According to the company’s recent press release, this new phase will expand its Robotaxi service coverage to include key areas such as Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, building upon its existing network that has operated since 2021 across locations like Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.
In her statement, Jennifer Li, WeRide’s CFO and Head of International, highlighted the significance of this launch, stating that it “showcases our autonomous leadership in one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments.” The intent, as described by the company, is to demonstrate technological maturity and edge closer to the mass commercialisation of Robotaxis within the region. This aligns with WeRide’s broader strategy for global expansion, positioning the UAE as a crucial market.
The Robotaxi initiative builds on a collaboration between WeRide and Uber, which began in December 2024. This partnership, reportedly the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the United States and China, provides a foundation for establishing a robust autonomous transport ecosystem. Tawasul Transport has been designated as the fleet operator for this service, reinforcing local involvement in the initiative.
However, WeRide’s ambitions are not without challenges. The firm aims to achieve profitability within five years but faces uncertainty stemming from regulatory hurdles and the necessity for public acceptance of autonomous technologies. Analysts have pointed out that the high costs associated with software development, vehicle maintenance, and ongoing research may postpone profitability for robotaxi companies like WeRide until at least 2028.
Further compounding the complexity, while WeRide holds the UAE’s first national licence for testing and operating self-driving cars on public roads, the landscape of autonomous vehicle regulation remains fluid. The success of such projects is intricately tied to governmental policies and the integration of services with existing transport systems, as noted by industry experts.
Despite these challenges, there are indications of optimism within the company. WeRide has been collaborating with technology partners such as Nvidia, aiming to reduce operational costs and enhance scalability. The firm has also emphasised its commitment to low-cost autonomous driving solutions, which could significantly alter the landscape of urban mobility.
As the trial operations begin, WeRide’s progress will be closely monitored. The introduction of driverless rides is contingent upon regulatory approval from authorities, which will determine the feasibility of expanding this innovative mode of transport in Abu Dhabi and potentially beyond. The coming months will be critical in assessing both the public reception of these autonomous vehicles and their operational effectiveness in real-world environments.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/weride-launches-fully-driverless-robotaxi-trial-operations-in-abu-dhabi-broadens-service-coverage-302457518.html – Original press release. View link for all data
- https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204047443/en/Uber-and-WeRide-Launch-Autonomous-Mobility-Service-in-Abu-Dhabi/ – Uber and WeRide have launched an autonomous mobility service in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time autonomous vehicles are available on the Uber platform outside the United States. This collaboration, supported by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), introduces the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China. The service is initially available in key areas, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport, with plans for future expansion. Tawasul Transport, a leading UAE national transport company, will act as the fleet operator. Initially, each autonomous vehicle will have a safety operator present to ensure a secure and reliable experience for riders and pedestrians, laying the groundwork for a fully driverless commercial service planned for later in 2025. Uber riders in Abu Dhabi who are excited about riding in an autonomous vehicle can increase their chances of being matched with a WeRide AV by opting in via the Ride Preferences section of their Uber app under Settings.
- https://www.ft.com/content/45cb9a6a-53ed-413a-9f18-510aadb7a7c7 – WeRide, a Chinese autonomous driving company listed on Nasdaq, aims to achieve profitability within five years but faces uncertainty due to international government regulation and commercial partnerships. Despite significant investments and growing losses, including Rmb2.5bn ($260mn) in 2024, CEO Tony Han remains optimistic about technological support and future profitability. WeRide operates limited robo-bus services in multiple countries and partners with Uber for robotaxis in Abu Dhabi. The company stresses the importance of government regulation, public acceptance, and partner integration for success. Analysts predict that the high costs of software, maintenance, and research will delay profitability for robotaxi groups until at least 2028. WeRide collaborates with Nvidia and Geely, highlighting potential cost reductions and economies of scale. The company continues to monitor government-funded projects and aims for future low-cost autonomous driving services.
- https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uber-chinese-self-driving-tech-startup-announce-partnership-launch-robotaxis-uae-2024-09-25/ – Uber Technologies and Chinese self-driving tech startup, WeRide, announced a partnership to introduce robotaxis in the UAE, starting in Abu Dhabi later this year. This marks Uber’s addition of WeRide’s autonomous vehicles to its ride-hailing platform. WeRide holds the UAE’s first and exclusive national license to operate and test self-driving cars on public roads. Prior to this, in the U.S., Uber has partnered with Alphabet’s Waymo for robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta and with General Motors’ robotaxi unit Cruise, with plans to integrate Cruise’s autonomous vehicles next year.
- https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/14/3042765/0/en/Pioneering-Autonomous-Technology-Drives-Global-Expansion-and-Commercial-Market-Growth.html – WeRide Inc. (Nasdaq: WRD) announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. The company continues to enhance its global market presence through thoughtful market entries and strategic expansions in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In 2024, WeRide achieved record-high robotaxi revenue and the strongest international revenue since the company’s inception. The company started deploying end-to-end models in both Level-4 driverless and ADAS systems in 2024, available in the latest version of robotaxi GXR running in multiple countries and cities.
- https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/uber-and-weride-launch-autonomous-mobility-service-abu-dhabi-2024-12-06 – Uber and WeRide have launched an autonomous mobility service in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time autonomous vehicles are available on the Uber platform outside the United States. The service is initially available in key areas, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport, with plans to expand the operating territory in the future. At initial launch, each autonomous vehicle will have a safety operator present to ensure a secure and reliable experience for riders and pedestrians, laying the groundwork for a fully driverless commercial service planned for later in 2025.
- https://www.just-auto.com/news/uber-and-weride-launch-autonomous-mobility-service-in-abu-dhabi/ – Uber Technologies and WeRide have announced the launch of their ride-hailing partnership in Abu Dhabi. The launch represents the first time autonomous vehicles (AVs) are available on the Uber platform outside of the United States, as well as the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China. The service, supported by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), marks a key step in making AVs part of everyday life in the region. Tawasul Transport, a leading UAE national transport company, will act as the fleet operator. Starting today, Uber riders in Abu Dhabi requesting UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a WeRide AV for qualifying trips. The service will be available in key areas, between Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport, with plans to expand the operating territory in the future. At initial launch, each AV will have a safety operator present to ensure a secure and reliable experience for riders and pedestrians, laying the groundwork for a fully driverless commercial service planned for later in 2025.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative reports on recent events and does not appear to be recycled from older articles. It is based on a press release from Pr Newswire, which typically indicates fresh information.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quote from Jennifer Li, WeRide’s CFO, could not be verified online but is likely original to this context.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The information is from a press release on Pr Newswire, which is generally reliable for corporate announcements, but the source is inherently promotional.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about WeRide’s operations and partnerships are plausible given the current trends in autonomous vehicle technology.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears fresh, quotes are likely original, and the source is generally reliable as a press release. The claims about WeRide’s operations are plausible, though the narrative does carry a promotional tone.
