WeRide and Uber launch autonomous taxi service in Dubai

WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) and Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) launched autonomous taxi rides in Dubai through a partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority.

The service began operating in select locations across Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah districts. Riders can book WeRide robotaxis through an "Autonomous" option on the Uber app.

The vehicles currently operate with a vehicle specialist onboard, with plans to transition to fully driverless service in early 2026. Tawasul serves as the main fleet operator for WeRide vehicles on the Uber platform.

The launch follows testing and a pilot program that began after the companies announced their partnership in April. The service supports Dubai's Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to achieve 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.

Dubai recorded 153 million trips across public transport, shared mobility, and taxis in 2024, according to data cited in the announcement. Shared mobility usage increased 28% in 2024 compared to 2023.

"Our progress in Dubai is enabled by our autonomous driving technology that has been tested and validated worldwide," said Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide. "We are expanding rapidly across the Middle East and globally, driven by our vision to deploy tens of thousands of robotaxis by 2030."

WeRide operates close to 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, with over 100 being robotaxis. The company has received autonomous driving permits in eight markets including China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the US.

The information is based on a press release statement from the companies.

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