WeRide, a global leader in self-driving technology, and Uber have released the first fully driverless robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This is the first time a city outside the United States has had fully driverless taxis available on the Uber platform. The service was made possible by a special permit given by the government of Abu Dhabi, which allows robotaxis to operate without a driver inside.
The new service is a big step towards bringing self-driving cars to more areas in the UAE. Starting with Yas Island, passengers can book a WeRide robotaxi through Uber’s Comfort or UberX options. They can also use the new "Autonomous" category, which is Uber’s first option dedicated to self-driving rides.
WeRide’s robotaxis started operations in Abu Dhabi in 2021, and by 2025, the company secured a federal permit to operate driverless robotaxis commercially. The partnership with Uber and the city’s transport authorities (ITC) is helping to make this service a success.
In 2025, WeRide and Uber plan to expand the robotaxi service to more parts of Abu Dhabi and eventually scale up to thousands of robotaxis across the region. This launch is part of a broader plan to grow autonomous vehicle services in the Middle East, with WeRide having a strong advantage in the region’s driverless technology.
As per Coherent Market Insights, Global Robotaxi Market is estimated to be valued at USD 5,301.7 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 262,659.8 Mn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 74.6% from 2025 to 2032.
WeRide is a global leader in autonomous driving and the first publicly traded robotaxi company. The company’s self-driving vehicles have been tested or are operating in over 30 cities across 11 countries. WeRide is also the first and only company to receive autonomous driving permits in eight countries: China, the UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the US. Using the WeRide One platform, which is smart, flexible, and cost-effective, WeRide offers autonomous driving solutions for various industries, including transportation, logistics, and sanitation. In 2025, WeRide was recognized by Fortune as part of the "Change the World" and "Future 50" lists.
Uber’s mission is to create opportunities through movement. Since 2010, Uber has aimed to solve the simple problem of how to get a ride with the touch of a button. After more than 68 billion trips, Uber continues to build products that help people get closer to where they want to be. By transforming how people, food, and goods move in cities, Uber is opening up new possibilities for the world.
Source:
News: WeRide
