Highlights 

  • WeRide and Uber debuts the Middle East’s first fully driverless Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. 
  • The launch marks the first Level 4 driverless service on the Uber platform outside the U.S. 
  • WeRide’s permits from city and federal authorities enable driverless operations without onboard specialists. 
  • Passengers can book autonomous rides via Uber Comfort, UberX, or the new “Autonomous” category. 
  • The joint service is set for expansion across Abu Dhabi’s major zones by year-end 2025. 

WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:WRD), a leading autonomous driving technology developer, and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) have introduced the Middle East’s first fully driverless Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. This launch not only elevates the region’s mobility landscape but also positions Abu Dhabi as the first city beyond the United States to host fully driverless rides on the Uber platform. Operating at Level 4 autonomy, the service allows vehicles to navigate without human oversight, marking a significant shift toward large-scale commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles. 

This achievement follows WeRide’s success in securing the world’s first city-level driverless Robotaxi permit outside the U.S., complemented by a federal permit awarded in October 2025. These regulatory milestones pave the way for broad adoption of automated mobility solutions within the UAE. 

Commercial Operations Begin on Yas Island 

Commercial rides are now available on Yas Island, a major leisure and tourism hub. The vehicles operate without any in-car safety specialists, highlighting a matured stage of autonomous driving capability for the region. Riders can book trips through Uber Comfort, UberX, or a newly launched “Autonomous” ride category, seamlessly integrating driverless travel within the existing Uber user experience. 

The collaboration with fleet partner Tawasul enables the operational scale required for consistent service availability. With more than 100 WeRide Robotaxis already active in the Middle East, the companies aim to enhance utilisation rates, improving the path toward achieving breakeven unit economics as adoption grows. 

Partnership Expansion and Future Roadmap 

The Abu Dhabi deployment builds on an expanding global partnership between WeRide and Uber, already representing one of the largest operational Robotaxi networks outside the U.S. and China. The companies plan to extend driverless service coverage to additional core areas of Abu Dhabi before the end of 2025, advancing the city's goal of becoming a global testbed for advanced mobility. 

With regulatory support, established fleet partners, and rising public receptiveness, this initiative is expected to accelerate the region’s transition to autonomous transportation. The rollout also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s broader smart-city strategy and its ambition to house pioneering mobility technologies. 

Conclusion 

The introduction of a fully driverless Robotaxi service by WeRide and Uber marks a defining moment for autonomous transportation in the Middle East. As the service expands and utilisation increases, it has the potential to influence mobility frameworks across global markets while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as an innovation hub. 

WeRides’ shares closed at USD 8.04, marking a 1.52% increase from the prior session. 

Ubers’ shares closed at USD 85.66, marking a 2.35% increase from the prior session.