Uber and WeRide Launch Driverless Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi
Uber Technologies has launched driverless robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Chinese autonomous-driving company WeRide, marking the first time Uber has operated fully driverless vehicles outside the US.
Abu Dhabi Becomes First Global Market for Uber’s Robotaxis
The rollout, announced on Wednesday, follows a partnership the two companies revealed last year. Passengers in Abu Dhabi booking an UberX or Uber Comfort ride may now be matched with a WeRide robotaxi, according to Uber. This launch represents a significant milestone for the ride-hailing company as it extends its autonomous operations into the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi’s adoption of driverless rides highlights the region’s growing commitment to advanced mobility technologies. The companies plan to expand service coverage to areas beyond the city’s core by the end of the year.
WeRide Expands Autonomous Presence in the Middle East
Guangzhou-based WeRide already operates more than 100 robotaxis across the Middle East, according to Uber. The company has been testing autonomous driving technologies in several regional markets as part of a broader effort to make self-driving transport commercially viable.
The collaboration between the two companies underscores growing international interest in driverless vehicle deployment and signals a new phase in autonomous ride-hailing expansion beyond Western markets.
with inputs from Reuters
