WeRide, Uber launch public Robotaxi service in Dubai with RTA backing

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 12, autonomous driving technology company WeRide and global mobility platform Uber announced the official launch of a public Robotaxi service in Dubai, carried out in collaboration with the city's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The service is now available directly through the Uber app, marking a significant milestone in Dubai's push toward automated urban mobility.

Starting immediately, users in Dubai can request WeRide-operated Robotaxis via a dedicated "Autonomous" option on the Uber platform. Initial operations cover Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two beachfront districts that rank among the city's most popular destinations for residents and tourists alike. Fleet operations on Uber will be managed by Tawasul, which will serve as the primary fleet partner for WeRide's Robotaxi service.

Following the announcement of their Dubai partnership in April, WeRide and Uber have jointly carried out pilot programs and on-road testing to ensure a smooth and safe transition to autonomous mobility. At this stage, the Robotaxis will operate with onboard safety personnel, a step designed to safeguard passenger experience while laying the groundwork for fully driverless commercial operations targeted for early 2026.

Home to more than four million residents, Dubai is among the Middle East's fastest-growing global cities. In 2024, total trips across public transport, shared mobility—including app-based ride-hailing—and taxis reached 153 million, with shared mobility usage posting a year-on-year increase of 28%, underscoring strong demand for flexible, technology-enabled transport options.

The introduction of public Robotaxi services by WeRide and Uber directly supports Dubai's strategic goal of automating 25% of all trips by 2030, while also addressing rising demand for shared and on-demand mobility among both residents and visitors.

According to WeRide's Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business Li Xuan, the company's progress in Dubai reflects the maturity and global validation of its autonomous driving technology. She noted that the Middle East is a key growth market in WeRide's international expansion plans, with the company aiming to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis worldwide by 2030. Collaboration with forward-looking regulators such as the RTA, alongside Uber's global platform, is expected to accelerate the adoption of autonomous mobility.

Sarfraz Maredia, Uber's global head of autonomous mobility, said the Dubai launch highlights Uber's commitment to supporting the UAE's long-term vision for future transportation. He added that Dubai represents a critical market for advancing autonomous mobility in the Middle East, reinforcing Uber's role as a platform that integrates both human-driven and autonomous services at scale.

The rollout of public Robotaxi services further strengthens the UAE's position as a global leader in autonomous driving deployment, while underscoring the shared commitment of WeRide and Uber to advancing autonomous innovation worldwide.

With Dubai joining WeRide's growing network of global operating cities, the two companies plan to accelerate large-scale expansion across the Middle East, targeting the deployment of thousands of Robotaxis in the coming years. At present, WeRide operates an autonomous fleet of nearly 150 vehicles in the region, including more than 100 Robotaxis.