WeRide announced that it has received a city‑level permit in Abu Dhabi that authorizes fully driverless Level 4 robotaxi operations without an onboard safety driver. The permit, granted on October 31, 2025, marks the first such approval outside the United States and the first for an international company in the UAE.
The approval removes a critical regulatory hurdle for WeRide’s autonomous fleet. By eliminating the requirement for a safety driver, the company can reduce operating costs and move closer to unit‑economics breakeven. The permit also positions WeRide ahead of competitors in the Middle East and signals growing confidence from UAE regulators in its technology.
WeRide has already logged nearly one million kilometers in Abu Dhabi and plans to cover most of the city core by year‑end. The company’s target of 1,000 robotaxis by 2026 reflects a rapid scaling strategy that will be supported by the cost savings from the new permit. Dr. Tony Han, WeRide’s founder and CEO, described the licence as “the first city‑level commercial licence for Level 4 autonomous driving to be issued outside the US” and said it “marks a new beginning” for the firm’s global expansion.
The permit is part of a broader partnership network that includes Uber and TXAI, with commercial operations slated to launch on both platforms. WeRide’s dual primary listing on the Hong Kong and U.S. exchanges further strengthens its capital base and visibility, while the Abu Dhabi approval demonstrates its ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and scale its technology globally.
Analysts have highlighted the significance of the permit, noting that it removes a key operational constraint and positions WeRide to achieve profitability faster. The market reaction has been positive, reflecting confidence in the company’s ability to scale its autonomous fleet and capture new growth opportunities in the Middle East and beyond.
The approval also signals a potential tailwind for future regulatory approvals in other emirates and markets. While the company faces ongoing headwinds such as competitive pressure and the need for continued investment in technology, the new permit provides a clear path to cost reduction and operational scalability, reinforcing WeRide’s strategic trajectory toward global autonomous mobility.
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