Uber Technologies and China’s WeRide announced that their autonomous ride-hailing service is now available to the public in Abu Dhabi, marking Uber’s first driverless taxi operations outside the United States.
The service utilises self-driving vehicles to provide advanced mobility solutions in key areas, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to Zayed International Airport, with plans to expand further across the emirate. Abu Dhabi’s Tawasul Transport will manage WeRide’s autonomous fleet on the Uber platform, supported by the Integrated Transport Centre.
Uber described this phase as crucial for achieving a full commercial rollout of driverless services in 2025.
Badr Al-Olama, director general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said, “The launch of this service confirms that the future of transportation is now a reality, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in autonomous and sustainable mobility solutions.”
Uber users can opt for a WeRide vehicle through ride preferences in the app. UberX and Uber Comfort riders may be matched with WeRide vehicles on routes within its operational zones. Passengers will pay standard fares with upfront pricing, and vehicles will autonomously accept or decline rides.
Noah Zych, Uber’s global head of Autonomous Mobility, said, “We are excited to partner with WeRide and integrate autonomous vehicles into daily life in Abu Dhabi.”
WeRide operates the UAE’s largest robotaxi fleet and secured the country’s first national licence for self-driving vehicles in July 2023, enabling public testing and operations across the nation.
