Uber introduces driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi with China’s WeRide

New Delhi: Uber Technologies and WeRide have started Level 4 completely driverless robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi. This makes the country the first in the Middle East and the first city outside the USA where Uber is offering autonomous rides. This rollout follows regulatory approval that allows commercial driverless operation within the city.

Passengers can now be matched with the WeRide robotaxi through the Uber X, Uber Comfort or the new "Autonomous” option on the application. The services started on Yas Island and operate without a driver inside the car. Highways, airport routes and trips connecting other islands will continue to have vehicles with safety operators for the time being. 

The launch follows WeRide receiving a permit in October 2025 to run completely driverless robotaxi services across the UAE. The Integrated Transport Centre later issued an operational license for commercial driverless operations in Abu Dhabi, with Tawasul serving as the local fleet operations. In the first phase of services, the Uber platform is being run jointly by WeRide and Tawasul.

Uber have said that improving vehicle use and new regulatory approvals place the service on course in order to reach breakeven unit economics. The brands plan to grow the service area beyond the Abu Dhabi city core by the end of the year and intends to scale the fleet in the region in the coming time frame.

Uber is developing autonomous services in other markets as well, with the company Waymo in Phoenix, Austin and Atlanta in the USA. It has also reached agreements with technology partners to expand to 15 more cities outside the US and China, including recent services with safety drivers in Riyadh. Uber has invested a heavy amount in autonomous-vehicle development. The brand believes that going on the scale of traditional taxis will be some years away.