Uber Technologies, Inc. and WeRide have launched their autonomous vehicle service in Abu Dhabi, introducing Uber’s first self-driving vehicle operation outside the United States and establishing the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China.
Starting today, Abu Dhabi residents using UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a WeRide autonomous vehicle. The service operates between Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Zayed International Airport, with plans for future expansion.
The Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) has endorsed the program, while Tawasul Transport, a UAE transport company, manages the fleet operations.
Each vehicle currently includes a safety operator. The companies plan to transition to fully driverless operations in late 2025. Users can opt into the autonomous vehicle service through the Ride Preferences section in their Uber app settings.
Noah Zych, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, said: “We’re thrilled to launch our partnership with WeRide, and receive the support of Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre. As we take this next step in Abu Dhabi, we are excited to build on the strength of the Uber platform, helping our partners make autonomous vehicles a part of everyday life.”
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business at WeRide, commented: “WeRide prioritizes passenger and pedestrian safety through rigorously validated autonomous driving technology. As the first publicly listed Robotaxi company, WeRide has demonstrated its commitment to safety through over 1,800 days of public operational experience, setting new benchmarks for autonomous vehicle performance.”
