Abu Dhabi has become the first city in the Middle East to host fully driverless Robotaxi operations, following the launch of Level 4 autonomous ride-hailing services by WeRide and Uber.
The deployment also marks the first time a city outside the United States has offered fully driverless rides on the Uber platform.
Driverless operations begin
Commercial operations started on Yas Island today without a vehicle specialist inside the autonomous vehicles. Passengers can now book a WeRide Robotaxi through Uber Comfort, UberX, or the newly introduced “Autonomous” category, Uber’s first global dedicated option for self-driving rides.
The service follows WeRide’s federal permit approval in October 2025, authorizing fully driverless Robotaxi operations across the UAE.
The launch was made possible through collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and fleet operator Tawasul. The ITC issued the first operational license for a fully driverless commercial Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, allowing WeRide and Tawasul to operate jointly on the Uber platform.
Expansion plans
WeRide and Uber plan to scale the service across thousands of Robotaxis in the Middle East over the coming years. The current phase covers core areas of Abu Dhabi, including Al Reem and Al Maryah, with expansion to additional city areas planned by the end of 2025. The partnership currently operates more than 100 Robotaxis in the region.
WeRide’s first-mover advantage
WeRide has been operating autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi since 2021 and became the first company in the UAE to receive a national license for all types of self-driving vehicles in 2023. This license authorizes autonomous testing and operation on public roads, subject to emirate-level approvals. In December 2024, WeRide and Uber launched the region’s largest commercial Robotaxi service outside the US and China.
The fully driverless commercial launch, combined with the latest permits and ongoing improvements in vehicle utilization, positions the WeRide-Uber Robotaxi service to achieve breakeven unit economics in Abu Dhabi.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
