WeRide Signs Strategic Deal to Launch Robotaxi Services in Dubai: A New Era for Smart Mobility

WeRide Signs Strategic Deal to Launch Robotaxi Services in Dubai: A New Era for Smart Mobility

In a strategic move reflecting the region’s rapid shift toward smart transportation, Chinese autonomous driving technology company WeRide has announced a cooperation agreement with Uber and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch commercial robotaxi services in the emirate. This step follows WeRide’s successful operation of the first fully autonomous robotaxi fleet in Abu Dhabi last month, continuing its fast-paced regional and global expansion.

Details of the Agreement: A Three-Way Collaboration to Transform Dubai’s Transport Scene

Under the new agreement, WeRide will work with Uber and Dubai’s RTA to deploy and operate commercial robotaxi services on the Uber platform by the end of 2025. Initial robotaxi operations in Dubai are set to begin this year, with safety operators present in the vehicles to monitor performance and ensure the highest safety standards, alongside operational tests for fully autonomous driving without human intervention.

According to the plan, WeRide aims to achieve full commercial operation of fully autonomous robotaxis in Dubai during the first quarter of 2026, making Dubai one of the first cities in the region and the world to adopt this type of smart mobility on a wide commercial scale.

Dubai: A Global Platform for Smart Mobility Innovation

This step aligns with Dubai’s vision to convert 25% of all city transport trips to autonomous journeys by 2030, reinforcing the emirate’s status as a global hub for innovation in smart mobility and urban sustainability. WeRide affirms that the Middle East, and Dubai in particular, is a strategic priority for its international expansion, given the strong governmental support and eagerness to adopt cutting-edge technologies.

Robotaxi trials have already begun on Dubai’s roads under the supervision of the RTA in preparation for the commercial launch. WeRide officials emphasize that this agreement reflects regulatory confidence in the readiness of autonomous driving technologies and paves the way for a fundamental transformation in urban mobility.

Who is WeRide?

Founded in China in 2017, WeRide is among the pioneers in developing advanced smart driving solutions. The company was listed on the Nasdaq in October 2023 and has expanded its operations to include research, testing, and deployment in more than 30 cities across 10 countries.

In July 2023, WeRide obtained the first official license to test autonomous vehicles in the UAE, enabling field tests on public roads nationwide. The company also launched robotaxi services on the Uber platform in the UAE last December, becoming one of the region’s largest operators of such vehicles.

Strategic Partnership with Uber and Regional & Global Expansion

The partnership between WeRide and Uber began last September to accelerate the integration of autonomous vehicles into the Uber platform, with plans to launch operations first in the UAE and then expand to new cities. In May, the two companies announced an expanded partnership to include 15 additional cities worldwide, including locations in Europe and the Middle East.

This expansion comes amid growing demand for smart and sustainable mobility solutions, as major cities seek to reduce reliance on traditional vehicles, lower emissions, and improve urban transport efficiency.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the enthusiasm for robotaxi technologies, technical and regulatory challenges remain, such as ensuring the highest safety standards, integrating smart systems with existing infrastructure, and achieving public acceptance of this transformation. Nevertheless, WeRide believes that Dubai’s regulatory environment and government support create an ideal climate for large-scale testing and implementation of these technologies.

The launch of commercial robotaxi services in Dubai marks a qualitative leap for the future of transportation in the region and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global center for smart mobility innovation. With WeRide’s strong entry into the UAE market in partnership with Uber and the RTA, it appears we are on the threshold of a new era of safe, intelligent urban mobility, where autonomous vehicles become a part of daily life for Dubai’s residents and visitors.