WeRide launches fully driverless Robotaxi trial in Abu Dhabi

Published: May 16, 2025 23:29

Source: gasgoo

Save

On May 16, 2025, WeRide announced the launch of its fully driverless Robotaxi pilot service in Abu Dhabi, marking the debut of the Middle East's first autonomous taxi fleet with no safety drivers on b...

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On May 16, 2025, WeRide announced the launch of its fully driverless Robotaxi pilot service in Abu Dhabi, marking the debut of the Middle East's first autonomous taxi fleet with no safety drivers on board.

Beginning in the second quarter of 2025, the fleet will operate on public roads without human intervention, representing a new milestone in the development of Abu Dhabi's smart mobility ecosystem.

The service area for WeRide's Robotaxi network in Abu Dhabi has also expanded to include Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island—two high-demand transportation zones in the city. Al Maryah Island serves as the financial hub of Abu Dhabi and is home to the headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Global Market ("ADGM"), while Al Reem Island features a dense network of residential communities. These newly added areas strengthen the company's existing operational network, which already covers Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport.

The United Arab Emirates ("UAE") has become a core market for WeRide's autonomous driving innovation and international expansion. In July 2023, the company was granted the UAE's first autonomous vehicle testing and operation license, allowing it to operate all vehicle types across the entire country's public road network. This was not only a first for the Middle East, but also the world's first national-level, all-scenario autonomous driving license.

In September 2024, WeRide entered into a strategic partnership with Uber, and by December of that year, the two companies had jointly launched public Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi. This created the world's largest Robotaxi fleet outside of China and the United States, laying the foundation for WeRide's full transition to commercial driverless operations in 2025.

Starting in summer 2025, and with the necessary approvals from local authorities, WeRide will gradually roll out commercial services using fully driverless Robotaxis and continue to expand its coverage across the region.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

12 hours ago

[SMM Analysis] Korea’s Automotive Industry: 2030 Competitiveness Depends on EV Transition Execution

Korea’s auto industry maintained solid exports and production in 2025, but its 2030 competitiveness will depend on EV transition execution. The domestic market has matured, while hybrids have become a defensive pillar. EV adoption remains below the government’s target, and U.S.-EU policy pressure and Chinese EV competition are reshaping export strategies. Future competitiveness will hinge on pricing, localization, battery sourcing, and charging and safety confidence.

12 hours ago

May 14, 2026 18:57

Hyundai Motor publicly supports Indonesia’s policy to expand EV incentives for nickel use

According to Indonesian state news agency Antara and other local media on May 14, Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Indonesia (HMID), met with reporters the previous day at an event in Jakarta announcing the winners of the “FIFA World Cup 2026 Test Drive Campaign.” He said, “Since establishing the Karawang battery cell plant, we have had a clear goal of maximizing the use of Indonesia’s nickel resources,” adding that “directly utilizing these resources in industry is a way to contribute to the national economy, and Hyundai Motor fully supports the government’s plan to expand incentives.”

May 14, 2026 18:57

May 14, 2026 17:26

China's Used Car Market Sees April 2026 Sales Dip, Year-to-Date Volume Up

According to data released by the China Automobile Dealers Association, in April 2026, the national used car market recorded a transaction volume of 1.6712 million units, down 6.73% MoM and down 1.76% YoY, with a transaction value of 113.476 billion yuan. From January to April 2026, the cumulative used car transaction volume reached 6.4932 million units, up 2.93% YoY, an increase of 184,600 units compared with the same period last year, with a cumulative transaction value of 426.358 billion yuan.

May 14, 2026 17:26