WeRide Inc. and Uber Technologies have begun offering Level 4 autonomous robotaxi rides in Dubai, launching the service on the Uber app in the city’s Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah districts. The move marks the first time WeRide’s driverless vehicles are available to the public in the UAE, with a vehicle specialist on board to ensure safety during the initial trial period.
The partnership, which began in April, now allows riders to book a driverless vehicle through the ‘Autonomous’ option on Uber. Tawasul, the local fleet operator, will manage the vehicles, while the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has granted the necessary permits for commercial operation. The launch is a key step toward WeRide’s goal of deploying tens of thousands of robotaxis by 2030 and supports the emirate’s target of 25 % autonomous journeys by 2030.
By expanding into Dubai, WeRide gains a new revenue source and a valuable data set from a high‑density, tourist‑heavy market. The service also strengthens the company’s regulatory moat in the Middle East, positioning it to replicate the Abu Dhabi model in other cities and accelerate its global scaling strategy. Uber, meanwhile, gains its first active autonomous pilot service in the Middle East, adding a new revenue stream to its hybrid network of human drivers and AVs.
The launch is supported by a robust regulatory framework. The RTA’s proactive stance on autonomous vehicle trials, combined with the city’s “Self‑Driving Transport Strategy,” provides a clear pathway for scaling. Competitors such as Pony.ai and Baidu’s Apollo Go have also received permits in Dubai, but WeRide’s multiple international permits and partnership with Uber give it a competitive edge in the region.
Management comments underscore the strategic significance. Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, said the partnership “enables us to accelerate the deployment of driverless transportation in a market that is both technologically advanced and highly receptive to innovation.” Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber, added that the launch “demonstrates Uber’s commitment to building a future‑proof mobility platform.” The RTA’s CEO, Ahmed Bahrozyan, highlighted the public’s ability to book a WeRide robotaxi through the Uber app and praised the phased, safety‑first approach of the pilot.
Market reaction to the announcement was positive. Both Uber and WeRide shares experienced modest gains in pre‑market trading on December 12, reflecting investor optimism about the strategic expansion into a high‑potential market and the validation of their autonomous technology. Analysts noted that the launch signals a tangible step toward the companies’ long‑term autonomous mobility goals and may accelerate future revenue growth in the region.
The launch also positions WeRide to leverage Dubai’s status as a global tourism and business hub, providing a large and diverse user base for testing and scaling autonomous services. The partnership with Uber’s extensive user network further amplifies reach and data collection, which are critical for refining AI models and improving safety metrics. Overall, the event represents a significant milestone in the companies’ pursuit of mass robotaxi deployment and a strategic foothold in the Middle East’s rapidly evolving mobility landscape.
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