Abu Dhabi, UAE – November 26, 2025 – WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Uber Technologies today announced the launch of fully driverless (Level 4) commercial robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi. This milestone marks the first launch of its kind in the Middle East and the first city outside the United States where fully driverless vehicles are operated on the Uber platform.
Article contents:
- Historic milestone and first global permit
- Launch details and new service
- Path to profitability and future expansion
- WeRide’s leadership in Abu Dhabi
- Frequently asked questions
Historic milestone and first global permit
The launch is supported by the world’s first city-level permit for fully driverless robotaxi operations outside the United States. This achievement represents a major step toward the widespread expansion of autonomous mobility solutions in the UAE, thanks to the ongoing partnership between WeRide, Uber, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and fleet operator Tawasul.
In October 2025, WeRide’s robotaxi vehicles received a federal permit allowing fully driverless commercial operations. Following this, the Integrated Transport Centre granted WeRide and Tawasul the first commercial operating license for a fully driverless robotaxi fleet in Abu Dhabi.
Launch details and new service
Public commercial operations launched today without any operator inside the autonomous vehicle, starting with the first phase on Yas Island. When requesting UberX or Uber Comfort trips in Abu Dhabi, Uber app users may be matched with one of WeRide’s autonomous vehicles.
Additionally, users can select the new “Autonomous” product dedicated to self-driving trips in the app, which is the first of its kind globally, providing a unique futuristic mobility experience.
Path to profitability and future expansion
With this new commercial launch and higher vehicle utilization levels, WeRide and Uber’s robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi are moving toward unit economic break-even. This reinforces the companies’ plans to expand their operations in the Middle East, with sights set on deploying thousands of autonomous vehicles over the coming years.
WeRide’s leadership in Abu Dhabi
WeRide maintains a pioneering leadership position in Abu Dhabi with a four-year head start in deploying autonomous vehicles, having begun robotaxi operations in the emirate in 2021. In 2023, it became the first company in the UAE to obtain a national license covering all types of autonomous vehicles, allowing testing and operation on public roads nationwide.
In December 2024, WeRide and Uber launched their robotaxi partnership in Abu Dhabi. By July 2025, coverage expanded to include about half of Abu Dhabi’s key areas, including Reem Island and Al Maryah Island.
By the end of 2025, the parties intend to expand services to additional areas in downtown Abu Dhabi. WeRide currently operates over 100 robotaxis in the Middle East, underscoring its commitment to advancing the future of smart mobility in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What does “fully driverless” (Level 4) mean?
A: It means the vehicle is capable of driving completely autonomously within a specific geofenced area and under specific conditions, without requiring any human intervention or a safety driver inside the vehicle.
Q: Is the driverless robotaxi service available throughout Abu Dhabi?
A: Currently, the service is available in designated areas on Yas Island as a first phase. There are plans to gradually expand the service scope to include additional areas in downtown Abu Dhabi in the future.
Q: How can I request a driverless robotaxi trip?
A: This can be done via the Uber app in supported areas. You can either be automatically matched with an autonomous vehicle when requesting UberX or Uber Comfort, or select the new dedicated “Autonomous” product directly from the app.
Q: Are these vehicles safe?
A: Yes, the vehicles have undergone intensive testing and obtained the necessary permits from federal and local regulators in Abu Dhabi. They are equipped with advanced sensing technologies and multiple safety systems to ensure the safety of passengers and road users.
