Uber Technologies Launches Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service in Abu Dhabi with WeRide Partnership

Uber Launches Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service in Abu Dhabi

Uber Technologies, Inc. teams up with WeRide to introduce an innovative ride-hailing service featuring autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Abu Dhabi. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in urban mobility, as it represents the first deployment of AVs on the Uber platform outside the United States, and it establishes the largest commercial robotaxi service beyond the U.S. and China. Supported by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), the collaboration aims to seamlessly integrate AVs into the daily lives of residents and visitors in the region, with Tawasul Transport serving as the fleet operator.

Starting immediately, Uber riders in Abu Dhabi can request either an UberX or Uber Comfort ride and may find themselves matched with one of WeRide's autonomous vehicles for eligible trips. The initial service area includes key locations such as Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to Zayed International Airport, with plans for future expansion across the emirate. To ensure a secure riding experience, each vehicle will be accompanied by a safety operator during the initial phase, with a fully driverless service expected to launch by 2025. Riders looking to ride in an AV can increase their chances by opting in via the Uber app’s Ride Preferences feature.

Noah Zych, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, expresses enthusiasm about the partnership and the potential for AVs to become a fundamental aspect of urban mobility in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, WeRide’s CFO, Jennifer Li, underscores the company’s commitment to safety, highlighting their extensive operational experience—over 1,800 days of public operation—to validate their technology. This initiative not only aligns with Uber's mission to create opportunity through movement but also reflects a broader commitment to innovating transportation solutions in the region while adhering to strict safety guidelines.

In addition to the launch of the AV service, this partnership exemplifies a critical step forward in the adoption of autonomous driving technology within the UAE. The collaboration brings together Uber’s extensive platform and WeRide's cutting-edge technology, paving the way for a future where autonomous vehicles play a significant role in urban transportation networks. As the initiative unfolds, ongoing monitoring of safety performance will ensure that the service operates within the highest safety standards, fostering public confidence in the use of autonomous technology in everyday transportation.