Uber has teamed up with China’s WeRide to officially launch fully commercial driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in a major breakthrough for autonomous vehicle deployment outside the U.S. and China.
Riders on Yas Island can now hail a WeRide GXR autonomous vehicle through the Uber app, experiencing hands-free, operator-free travel for the first time in the Middle East.
The announcement arrives after a year of pilot programs. Until now, Uber and WeRide operated with safety drivers behind the wheel.
The transition to truly driverless rides was made possible when WeRide secured a UAE federal permit for commercial, fully autonomous operations in October 2025, an industry first for the region.
How did Uber and WeRide unlock driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi?
Uber and WeRide started Abu Dhabi trials in December 2024, using safety operators to gather local driving data and show reliability in complex traffic and tourist environments.
After rigorous on-road validation and regulatory engagement, WeRide was granted permission to remove safety drivers, opening the door for true commercial driverless service on public streets.
The robotaxi program debuts first on Yas Island, a performance-centric district that’s famous for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Uber customers can select UberX, Uber Comfort, or opt specifically for the “Autonomous” ride category to increase their odds of matching with a WeRide robotaxi, signaling a new era of mobility for the UAE.
Did you know?
WeRide's GXR robotaxis eliminate the front passenger seat entirely to maximize interior space for riders.
What tech gives WeRide’s robotaxis full autonomy?
WeRide’s GXR model robotaxi is engineered on the Farizon SuperVan platform and packs more than 20 high-end sensors, including multiple lidar units, short- and long-range radar, and high-definition cameras.
This sensor fusion generates 360-degree awareness, with object detection and response possible at distances up to 200 meters.
The robotaxi’s design eliminates the front passenger seat and leverages AI algorithms for safe navigation, obstacle avoidance, and adaptive route updates.
This space-efficient, sensor-rich system is the first in the Middle East certified for safe, fully autonomous operation without a standby human for intervention.
Why is Abu Dhabi’s launch a global milestone in AV expansion?
The driverless service in Abu Dhabi marks the first time commercial robotaxis operate outside the U.S. and China, setting a precedent for regulatory and technical acceptance in new markets.
Uber Autonomous Mobility head Sarfraz Maredia declared the launch a "historic transportation milestone," underlining both technical achievement and policy evolution in the region.
This progress reflects a year-long shift from pilot to full autonomy and is expected to influence city-level regulators, manufacturers, and competitors across the region and beyond.
WeRide now holds autonomous driving permits in at least eight countries, with Abu Dhabi becoming a flagship for its global ambitions.
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How will robotaxi service grow in the UAE and beyond?
Uber’s partnership with WeRide is part of a wider global strategy with 20 autonomous vehicle companies. The pair plans to expand service from Yas Island into Abu Dhabi’s city center, and has announced ambitions to reach 15 Middle East and European cities by 2030.
Uber’s CEO forecasts autonomous rides in at least 10 cities on the Uber platform by the end of 2026.
WeRide currently operates about 150 robotaxis in the UAE region and over 1,600 globally, running commercial driverless fleets in Guangzhou and Beijing as well.
If regulatory and demand conditions hold, thousands of autonomous rides could be delivered daily in new markets within the next few years.
What could driverless rides mean for urban mobility trends?
Fully autonomous robotaxis offer both promise and challenge for city mobility. The technology could improve safety, reduce costs, and offer 24/7 transport flexibility, especially in tourist and entertainment hubs.
The unique design and reliability metrics shown in Abu Dhabi may be adopted as new industry standards.
At the same time, widespread adoption will depend on public trust, data transparency, and continued partnership between operators, city planners, and lawmakers.
With today’s launch, the Middle East and broader autonomous vehicle industry gain a powerful proof of concept for the next chapter in urban transport innovation.
As Uber and WeRide scale their partnership, Abu Dhabi’s landmark move is set to ripple across the global mobility sector, signaling a faster transition to urban environments shaped by AI-driven vehicles.
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