WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:WRD) and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) on Thursday announced the launch of Abu Dhabi’s first commercial robotaxi service in the city center.
The launch marks the emirate’s first deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in its city center.
The coverage includes key landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and major hotels along the Corniche.
Benefit For Uber Riders
Starting today, Uber riders traveling to or from the newly added areas may be matched with a WeRide GXR Robotaxi via UberX or Uber Comfort, or book directly through the app’s dedicated “Autonomous” option.
Commercial operations are now live with a safety specialist on board, as part of a phased rollout toward fully driverless service. Tawasul Transport serves as the primary fleet operator, providing vehicle and fleet management.
Boosts Coverage Expansion In Abu Dhabi
With this latest downtown expansion, the service now covers about 70% of Abu Dhabi’s core areas, and the fleet has grown fourfold since operations began in December 2024.
The expansion boosts urban connectivity and transport access, supporting the UAE’s smart mobility goals.
Notably, WeRide holds a four-year first-mover edge in Abu Dhabi’s autonomous vehicle market, having operated Robotaxis in the city since 2021.
WeRide currently operates more than 200 robotaxis across the Middle East.
Expansion Strategy
This milestone underscores WeRide and Uber’s fast momentum in the UAE as they scale toward a fleet of thousands of Robotaxis across the Middle East.
In February 2026, WeRide and Uber disclosed a significant expansion of their strategic partnership to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East, marking one of the largest commercial autonomous mobility rollouts in the region.
The deployment will span Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, with completion targeted as soon as 2027.
Price Action: WeRide shares were up 3.31% at $7.80 during premarket trading on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data. Uber Technologies shares were up 0.58% at $71.42.
Photo by Tada Images via Shutterstock
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