Uber and WeRide have begun operating fully autonomous robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time driverless commercial rides have been available outside of the United States or China. The launch, initially focused on routes around Yas Island, a major tourist destination, signifies a major step forward in autonomous vehicle (AV) deployment.
Expanding Autonomous Ride Options
Passengers using Uber in Abu Dhabi can now choose between standard rides (Uber Comfort or UberX) that may be fulfilled by a WeRide robotaxi, or select the dedicated “Autonomous” option for a guaranteed driverless experience. The operation is supported by fleet partner Tawasul, ensuring smooth integration with existing Uber services. This mirrors Uber’s strategy with Waymo in Austin, Texas, where autonomous vehicles are integrated into the existing ride-hailing platform.
Regulatory Approval and Expansion Plans
The move follows recent federal approval from the United Arab Emirates, allowing WeRide to operate fully driverless robotaxis commercially. Uber and WeRide intend to expand these services beyond Yas Island into Abu Dhabi’s central city areas, signaling a broader commitment to autonomous transportation in the region.
Uber’s Global AV Strategy
This Abu Dhabi deployment is part of Uber’s broader strategy to integrate autonomous vehicles into its network worldwide. Over the past two years, Uber has forged partnerships with over 20 AV technology companies across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. These collaborations extend beyond robotaxis to include delivery and trucking applications, with recent deals involving May Mobility, Volkswagen, Momenta, Pony.ai, Baidu, and Nuro.
The Future of Autonomous Fleets
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi projects autonomous vehicle deployments in at least 10 cities by the end of 2026. Uber and WeRide have even more ambitious goals, planning to expand to 15 cities in the Middle East and Europe, eventually building a fleet of thousands of robotaxis. WeRide currently operates over 150 robotaxis in the region, setting the stage for rapid scaling.
The Abu Dhabi launch confirms that autonomous driving is moving beyond limited testing into real-world, commercial operations, and signals a shift towards broader adoption of driverless technology globally.
This development not only expands ride-hailing options but also demonstrates a growing trust in autonomous systems, setting the stage for further expansion in both the Middle East and beyond.
