ABU DHABI: Uber Technologies Inc. has officially launched its first autonomous vehicle (AV) service outside of the United States, marking a significant milestone in the company’s quest to offer robotaxi rides globally.
The new service, a collaboration with Chinese autonomous driving leader WeRide Inc., is now available to riders in key tourist districts of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The service, available at UberX and Uber Comfort rates, operates around high-traffic tourist destinations such as Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport.
The launch follows Uber’s expanding efforts to become a leading platform for autonomous vehicles (AVs) without developing its own self-driving technology.
In partnership with WeRide, Uber aims to integrate AVs into its service offerings while simultaneously positioning itself as a global leader in the emerging autonomous mobility market.
Uber robotaxi rides in Abu Dhabi
The launch of Uber’s autonomous service is supported by the UAE’s Integrated Transport Centre, with fleet management services provided by Tawasul Transport, a national transport company. The partnership between Uber and WeRide aligns with the UAE’s ambitious plans to revolutionise transport, bringing autonomous vehicles into everyday use while maintaining a keen focus on safety.
As part of the initiative, each robotaxi in Abu Dhabi will have a safety operator on board during the initial launch period, ensuring the ride experience is secure for both passengers and pedestrians.
Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility, Noah Zych, highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying, "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."
Growing demand for autonomous rides
Riders in Abu Dhabi can now opt into a service that increases the likelihood of being matched with a WeRide autonomous vehicle by adjusting their ride preferences in the Uber app. The move represents Uber’s strategy to expand the presence of AVs across global markets, starting with Abu Dhabi as a testing ground for future autonomous services in the region. Uber plans to extend its robotaxi fleet in the coming years, gradually expanding its coverage beyond the initial launch areas.
Uber and WeRide’s service in Abu Dhabi is a landmark event in the global autonomous vehicle industry, representing the largest commercial robotaxi offering outside of the US and China. While Uber has been developing its autonomous services in various regions, the launch in Abu Dhabi is particularly significant as it expands Uber’s geographic reach, with the UAE government providing support and regulatory backing.
A driverless future
Safety remains a key priority for both Uber and WeRide. The technology used by WeRide has been rigorously tested over 1,800 days of public operation, ensuring that their autonomous vehicles meet the highest safety standards. According to Jennifer Li, WeRide’s Chief Financial Officer, "WeRide prioritises 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 its extensive operational experience."
Looking ahead, Uber aims to launch a fully driverless commercial service in Abu Dhabi by 2025. The shift toward fully autonomous rides reflects Uber's broader ambition to compete with other major players in the autonomous mobility space, including Waymo and Tesla. The company’s strategic partnerships, including with Alphabet Inc.'s Waymo, allow it to expand its autonomous ride offerings without needing to build its own self-driving vehicles, a model designed to accelerate its entry into new markets.
While Uber is leading the charge with this autonomous initiative, it faces growing competition from other companies such as Waymo, which already operates a limited driverless ride-hailing service in select US cities. Additionally, Elon Musk’s upcoming robotaxi network could provide further competition once operational. However, Uber’s global platform and strategic partnerships with WeRide are giving it a strong foothold in the race to dominate autonomous transport services.