Uber Launches Autonomous Robotaxi Service in Abu Dhabi Through Partnership With WeRide
Uber has launched its first autonomous taxi service in the Middle East, rolling out driverless rides in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Chinese self-driving technology company WeRide. The deployment marks Uber’s fourth region globally to support robotaxis, following earlier launches in Austin, Phoenix and Atlanta in the United States.The introduction of autonomous vehicles in the UAE capital represents a major milestone for the region’s mobility strategy, which has increasingly focused on smart transportation and AI-driven infrastructure. For Uber, the rollout demonstrates a rapid expansion of its robotaxi ambitions beyond the U.S. market.
WeRide vehicles now available through UberX and Uber Comfort
Riders in Abu Dhabi can now request a WeRide autonomous vehicle directly from the Uber app. When selecting UberX or Uber Comfort, the system may dispatch a WeRide robotaxi instead of a conventional car. This hybrid integration allows Uber to add autonomous capacity while maintaining compatibility with existing ride categories.The two companies formalized their partnership in September 2024. Initial road tests began shortly afterward, with safety operators behind the wheel during the pilot phase. With regulatory approvals now secured, the service has transitioned into public availability for everyday riders.
A landmark step for the Middle East
The UAE becomes the first market in the Middle East to host Uber-backed robotaxis. Abu Dhabi’s regulatory environment and ongoing smart-city initiatives have made it one of the most receptive regions for autonomous mobility solutions. Local authorities have been testing AV frameworks across logistics, shuttles and public transportation, positioning the city as a hub for experimental mobility technology.The WeRide deployment fits into a broader UAE strategy to reduce congestion, improve transport efficiency and accelerate digital transformation in urban infrastructure. By integrating driverless services into a major ride-hailing platform, the region moves closer to mainstream adoption of autonomous vehicles.
Building on Uber’s U.S. robotaxi operations
Uber already operates autonomous rides in several American cities through a partnership with Waymo, the Alphabet-owned self-driving developer. Riders in Phoenix, Austin and Atlanta have had access to Waymo-powered robotaxis for various trip categories. The expansion to Abu Dhabi is the first time Uber has partnered with a non-U.S. AV company to deliver comparable capabilities abroad.WeRide, known for its autonomous driving systems deployed in China and select international markets, brings a fleet of sensor-rich vehicles capable of navigating dense urban settings. Their technology is optimized for mixed traffic conditions, pedestrian-heavy environments and complex road geometries — all of which are present in the UAE capital.
What the launch means for the future of autonomous mobility
The partnership demonstrates a shift in Uber’s long-term strategy. Rather than developing in-house autonomous technology, the company is positioning itself as a platform that integrates multiple AV providers across regions. This approach allows Uber to scale robotaxi availability faster and adapt to regulatory variations from country to country.For WeRide, the Abu Dhabi rollout provides a strategic foothold outside Asia, validating its technology in a market with strong demand for advanced mobility services. Success in the UAE could accelerate further expansion into neighboring Gulf states, many of which are investing heavily in smart-city infrastructure.
A new phase of public adoption
As autonomous vehicles become more common in ride-hailing services, user acceptance will play a major role in determining how quickly deployments scale. Abu Dhabi’s early exposure to robotaxis could help normalize driverless experiences for large populations of residents, commuters and tourists.The launch marks another step toward Uber’s vision of blending human-driven and fully autonomous fleets worldwide — a hybrid model the company believes will define the future of urban mobility.
Editorial Team — CoinBotLab