Prime Highlight
- Uber and WeRide have launched a fully driverless commercial robotaxi servicein Abu Dhabi, beginning on Yas Island after receiving federal approval.
- The milestone marks Uber’s first fully autonomous deployment outside the U.S. and China, with plans to expand across Abu Dhabi and eventually Dubai.
Key Facts
- Riders using UberX or Uber Comfortmay be matched with a WeRide robotaxi, with an “Autonomous” option available to increase the likelihood of a driverless ride.
- Uber aims to deploy autonomous vehicles in at least 10 cities by the end of 2026, supported by partnerships with 20 autonomous tech companies
Background
A year after starting its commercial robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi, Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide and its partner Uber have officially launched a fully driverless service for the public. The companies said the upgraded service, which no longer uses a human safety operator, will begin with routes on Yas Island, a major tourist hub that hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 circuit.
Uber riders booking trips through Uber Comfort or UberX may now be matched with a WeRide robotaxi. To increase their chances of riding in a fully autonomous vehicle, by choosing the “Autonomous” option within the app. Uber and WeRide are also working with fleet operator Tawasul to manage on-ground operations.
The launch comes after WeRide received a federal permit last month from the UAE government to run fully driverless commercial robotaxi services. The companies plan to expand coverage to more locations, including Abu Dhabi’s city center.
Uber described the launch as a major global milestone. Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s head of autonomous mobility and delivery, said that the fully autonomous launch in Abu Dhabi marks a major moment in transportation history, noting it is the first deployment of driverless vehicles outside the U.S. or China.
Over the past two years, Uber has built partnerships with 20 autonomous vehicle companies across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. These collaborations cover robotaxis, delivery, and trucking. This year, Uber signed new agreements with May Mobility, Volkswagen, Baidu, Momenta, Pony.ai, and Nuro.
Earlier this year, Uber and Waymo introduced a robotaxi service in Austin. The Abu Dhabi launch marks Uber’s first fully driverless entry into the Middle East, with Dubai expected to follow.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company aims to deploy autonomous vehicles in at least 10 cities by the end of 2026.
