Abu Dhabi Becomes Gateway for WeRide's Robotaxi Expansion in Middle East Through Uber Partnership

WeRide Inc. (WRD) has achieved a significant milestone by launching fully autonomous Level 4 robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi alongside Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), establishing the Middle East’s first commercial driverless ride-hailing operation and marking Uber’s debut of fully autonomous vehicles outside North America.

Regulatory Breakthrough and Operational Launch

The partnership builds on WeRide’s historic achievement of securing the world’s first city-level driverless robotaxi authorization beyond the United States. In October 2025, the company obtained federal approval, followed by the Integrated Transport Centre granting an operational license—jointly issued to WeRide and local fleet operator Tawasul—for running fully driverless commercial robotaxi services.

Service initiation began on Yas Island, where vehicles now operate without any safety specialist present. Passengers can access rides through three Uber options: the traditional Comfort and UberX tiers, or via a newly created “Autonomous” category specifically dedicated to driverless rides.

Fleet Scale and Business Momentum

WeRide currently operates more than 100 robotaxis across the Middle East region, reflecting substantial fleet deployment in a market previously untapped for autonomous commercial services. The operational model, managed collaboratively by WeRide and Tawasul, is positioned to reach unit economics breakeven as fleet utilization rates climb.

Growth Trajectory

This Abu Dhabi deployment represents the latest expansion of what has become the largest commercial robotaxi network operating outside the United States and China. Both companies have outlined plans to extend service coverage across additional Abu Dhabi neighborhoods by year-end 2025, signaling accelerated scaling in the region’s emerging autonomous mobility market.

The initiative demonstrates the viability of fully driverless technology in new geographic markets while reinforcing WeRide and Uber’s leadership position in autonomous vehicle commercialization globally.