Uber and WeRide Launch Commercial Robotaxi Service in the Middle East

Ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies, Inc. and autonomous vehicle leader WeRide have officially launched one of the Middle East’s first commercial robotaxi services, marking a significant milestone for autonomous mobility in the region.

Downtown Abu Dhabi Goes Driverless

Starting today, WeRide-powered autonomous vehicles are operating in downtown Abu Dhabi, covering key areas such as the Corniche waterfront, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Khalifa City, Masdar City, and Rabdan. Residents and visitors can now hail driverless rides directly through the Uber app, marking the first fully operational robotaxi service in the city center.

The launch builds on earlier autonomous vehicle trials in Abu Dhabi, including deployments on Yas Island and other urban zones, and integrates seamlessly with Uber’s ride-hailing platform under a new “Autonomous” ride category.

Expanding Fleet Across the Region

WeRide and Uber plan to deploy 1,200 robotaxis across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh by 2027, making this one of the largest autonomous mobility initiatives in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The vehicles operate with advanced safety systems, and in initial phases, a safety operator is onboard, gradually transitioning to fully driverless operations as regulations allow.

Dubai and Saudi Arabia Join the Autonomous Revolution

The service began in Dubai in late 2025 in partnership with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), offering autonomous rides with safety specialists onboard. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, robotaxis launched on Uber’s platform in late 2025, marking the Kingdom’s first commercial autonomous ride-hailing service and aligning with national smart mobility initiatives.

A New Era for Urban Mobility

The multi-city rollout highlights a major shift toward driverless transport in the region:

• Operational scale: Hundreds of autonomous vehicles are already active, with thousands planned.

• Integrated ride-hailing: Passengers can book robotaxis directly via Uber’s app.

• Public-private collaboration: Close coordination with local transport authorities ensures safe and regulated operations.

• Enhanced connectivity: Tourists and residents benefit from easier access to key business and leisure districts.

Industry analysts view the rollout as a model for large-scale autonomous vehicle deployment, demonstrating the potential for driverless mobility beyond North America and China.