Uber, in partnership with Chinese autonomous vehicle technology company WeRide, has launched its first international robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Uber’s expansion into autonomous vehicle technology, as the ride-hailing giant seeks to integrate advanced innovation into its global operations across ride-hail, delivery, and logistics sectors.
WeRide, which went public on the Nasdaq in October 2024, brings its expertise in autonomous driving to this venture, solidifying Uber’s push toward a future that includes self-driving technology. The initial rollout in Abu Dhabi will cover specific routes, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport. Future expansion plans are already being outlined to extend services across the region.
For now, a human safety operator will be present in each vehicle during this initial phase, with a fully driverless commercial launch targeted for late 2025. Uber and WeRide are working closely with Tawasul Transport to handle fleet operations and ensure a smooth transition as the service scales.
This partnership comes amidst growing competition in the autonomous vehicle space, with industry leaders like Waymo and Tesla rapidly advancing their technologies. Waymo’s recent announcement to launch robotaxi services in Miami sparked a nearly 10% dip in Uber’s stock, reflecting investor concerns about the potential for autonomous vehicle technology to disrupt the ride-hailing industry. Despite these concerns, Uber’s partnerships with companies like Wayve, Serve Robotics, Aurora Innovation, and Waabi underscore its commitment to leveraging technological advancements to remain competitive.
Uber’s collaboration with WeRide is expected to pave the way for future developments in autonomous mobility. By embracing partnerships and leveraging local expertise through Tawasul Transport, Uber aims to position itself as a key player in the autonomous ride-hailing market, ensuring it remains a top platform for connecting riders with innovative transportation solutions.
