Uber Expands Driverless Robotaxi Service in Abu Dhabi

Uber has officially launched its driverless robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, marking a historic milestone as the first deployment of a driverless autonomous vehicle outside of the United States or China.

This significant step comes after two years of strategic partnerships, with Uber collaborating with 20 autonomous vehicle technology firms across various regions, including the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

The partnerships are not limited to just robotaxis; they encompass a wide range of self-driving applications, including delivery services and trucking operations. In 2023 alone, Uber has formed alliances with several notable companies, including Ann Arbor, Michigan-based May Mobility, Volkswagen, and Chinese self-driving firms like Momenta, Pony.ai, and Baidu.

Recently, Uber has also partnered with San Francisco-based startup Nuro to develop a premium robotaxi service utilizing Lucid Gravity SUVs equipped with advanced self-driving systems. Earlier this year, Uber and Waymo launched a similar robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, showcasing their growing presence in the autonomous vehicle market.

Uber's expansion to Abu Dhabi was achieved through a partnership with WeRide, a significant player in the autonomous vehicle sector. Uber plans to extend its services to more cities, with Dubai being one of the immediate targets.

Looking ahead, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi indicated during the company's third-quarter earnings report that they anticipate deploying autonomous vehicles on the Uber network in at least 10 cities by the end of 2026.

Furthermore, Uber and WeRide aim to expand their reach to 15 cities throughout the Middle East and Europe, with plans to scale the number of robotaxis to thousands. Currently, WeRide operates over 150 robotaxis in the region.

This expansion in Abu Dhabi not only represents a critical development for Uber but also highlights the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on global urban mobility solutions.