WeRide and Uber have made Robotaxi passenger rides available on the Uber app in parts of Dubai, operating in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
The companies said in a statement that Tawasul will be the main fleet operator for WeRide vehicles on the Uber platform and that riders can book a Robotaxi through the "Autonomous" option on the Uber app. The trial is operating with a vehicle specialist on board to ensure safety and to lay the groundwork for a fully driverless commercial service early next year.
The statement said Dubai has over four million residents and recorded 153 million trips across public transport, shared mobility and taxis in 2024, and that shared mobility users rose 28% in 2024 compared to 2023. The companies said the launch supports Dubai’s goal of 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.
Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, said: “Our progress in Dubai is enabled by our autonomous driving technology that has been tested and validated worldwide.
"We are expanding rapidly across the Middle East and globally, driven by our vision to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030. We are pleased to partner with forward-thinking regulators like RTA, who share a similarly bold commitment to advancing autonomous mobility, and with Uber, whose global platform will help accelerate the adoption of driverless transportation.”
Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber, said: “As the world’s largest hybrid network of human drivers and AVs, Uber is building the future of transportation, and we are thrilled by the pace of autonomous adoption in the UAE and the Middle East.
This launch in Dubai is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the UAE’s vision for the future of mobility, and contributes directly to Dubai’s goal of achieving 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.” The companies said WeRide currently has close to 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, more than 100 of which are Robotaxis, and that they plan to scale to thousands of Robotaxis in the region over the coming years.
The Recap
- WeRide and Uber launched robotaxi rides in Dubai.
- Service operates in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah districts.
- Trial runs with on-board specialist; driverless service planned early next year.