Uber and WeRide Launch Fully Driverless Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi

Uber has officially launched fully driverless robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the realm of urban mobility and autonomous technology in the Middle East. This new service, which has been introduced in partnership with the Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide, is now available to the public, allowing riders to book journeys without any onboard safety driver. According to CNBC, this development makes Abu Dhabi the first city in the Middle East to offer a fully autonomous robotaxi service. The service operates on Yas Island, a district well-known for its attractions and events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. WeRide has previously launched similar driverless services in major Chinese cities like Beijing and Guangzhou.

The partnership between Uber and WeRide was formed in September 2024, with initial operations beginning in December of the same year, albeit with a safety operator in the vehicle. As reported by Euronews, the newly launched service falls under level 4 autonomous driving, meaning that the vehicles can operate without human intervention under certain conditions. Riders in Abu Dhabi can enhance their chances of hailing an autonomous robotaxi by selecting the autonomous option in the Uber app.

In terms of operational specifics, Uber and WeRide have structured their partnership to ensure Uber oversees fleet operations, while WeRide remains responsible for vehicle testing. The integration of technology allows for a seamless user experience, with support available through an in-vehicle tablet and the Uber app. As highlighted by Electrek, this rollout in Abu Dhabi is part of Uber's broader strategy to introduce robotaxis to 15 additional cities, which includes plans for expansions into Europe over the next five years.

This launch follows Uber's previous robotaxi services in the United States, which include operations in Austin, Phoenix, and Atlanta, through collaborations with Alphabet's Waymo. Additionally, Uber has been ramping up its investments in autonomous vehicle technology, evidenced by their recent six-year deal with electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid and AV startup Nuro. The expansion of driverless robotaxis aligns with a growing trend in the Middle East, where countries like Saudi Arabia are also exploring similar technologies, as seen in their pilot project in Riyadh, introduced in October.

The entry of WeRide into the Middle Eastern market reflects a strategic pivot, especially as Chinese autonomous technology companies face increasing regulatory challenges in the U.S. market. The partnership's focus on Abu Dhabi not only emphasizes the region's commitment to advancing urban mobility solutions but also sets a precedent for future autonomous vehicle developments in urban settings worldwide.