WeRide and Uber plan 1,200 robotaxis across Middle East by 2027

WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ: WRD) and Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER) announced plans to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh by 2027, according to a company statement.

The autonomous vehicles will be accessible through the Uber app in all three markets, building on existing driverless commercial operations in Abu Dhabi and passenger services in Dubai and Riyadh. The fleet will expand progressively as regulatory approvals and performance milestones are achieved.

WeRide currently operates more than 200 robotaxis in the region. In Abu Dhabi, the service averages dozens of daily trips per robotaxi and is approaching breakeven unit economics, the companies stated.

"Today's announcement marks the largest Robotaxi commercial commitment in the MENA region," said Dr. Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide. The expansion supports the company's goal of deploying tens of thousands of robotaxis globally within five years.

Sarfraz Maredia, Uber's global head of autonomous mobility and delivery, called the expansion "a testament to the strong performance of our existing deployments together."

The deployment follows an asset-light operating model, with Uber or local partners handling fleet operations while WeRide provides the autonomous driving technology. The partnership previously outlined plans for operations in 15 cities, with 12 additional markets planned by 2030.

WeRide operates autonomous vehicles in over 40 cities across 11 countries and holds autonomous driving permits in eight markets including China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the United States.

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