Intelligent CIO Middle Issue 126 | Page 32

INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY
MOBILITY

WeRide and Uber launch fully driverless robotaxi fare-charging operations in Dubai, accelerating autonomous mobility in the Middle East

WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Uber Technologies have launched fully driverless robotaxi farecharging operations in Dubai, as part of the first batch of Level 4 robotaxis to enter commercial service in the city.

This marks a significant milestone in the companies ' expanding AV partnership and strengthens their roles in supporting Dubai ' s driverless ambitions of 25 % autonomous journeys by 2030.
Public commercial operations began without a vehicle operator on board along routes in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, two of Dubai’ s most popular coastal tourist districts, in partnership with the Roads and
Transport Authority( RTA). Riders can book and be matched with a WeRide robotaxi through the‘ Autonomous’ option on the Uber app. Tawasul, a leading mobility and fleet operator in the UAE, will be the service operator for WeRide vehicles on the Uber platform, providing fleet management services.
The launch follows a successful supervised trial service that began in December 2025. The RTA subsequently granted WeRide a driverless vehicle trial permit in February 2026, allowing fully driverless robotaxis to be deployed across multiple areas in Dubai, including: Commercial and industrial districts: Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investment Park Second, Jabal Ali Industrial First;
Suburban areas: Nad Al Sheba, Wadi Al Safa, Warsan, Ras Al Khor; and Maritime trade hub: Al Hamriya Port.
These districts represent some of Dubai ' s busiest transport, logistics and commercial activity zones. Under the RTA ' s guidance, WeRide will progressively extend service into these areas, bringing fully driverless mobility to more communities. This move reinforces the UAE’ s smart mobility agenda and deepens WeRide’ s longterm collaboration with the RTA, while supporting the company’ s roadmap for tens of thousands of robotaxis globally by 2030.
“ WeRide is committed to long-term operations in Dubai and will continue expanding our local fleet. In challenging times, we stay focused on stability and service, ensuring our robotaxis continue to deliver safe, dependable mobility for residents. This milestone reflects the combined strength of WeRide ' s advanced technology, our dedicated partners and the regulatory confidence shown by RTA, as Dubai becomes one of the first cities worldwide to operate a fully driverless commercial robotaxi service,” said Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO, WeRide.
" Bringing fully driverless vehicles to Dubai is an important milestone in making autonomous mobility a global reality. This launch underscores our deep commitment to the UAE and our vision for a hybrid world – where drivers and AVs operate side-by-side to create a more resilient network. Especially during challenging times in the region, we are proud to be a partner to this city, ensuring that Uber is always there to help people move seamlessly and with confidence," said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery, Uber. •
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