WeRide and Uber launch driverless robotaxi service in Dubai

WeRide and Uber have launched fully driverless robotaxi fare-charging operations in Dubai, with public commercial service beginning across the Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim districts in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Riders can book a WeRide robotaxi through the Uber app’s Autonomous option, with Tawasul acting as fleet service operator on the platform.

The launch follows a supervised trial that began in December 2025 and a driverless vehicle permit granted by the RTA in February 2026. WeRide currently operates more than 200 robotaxis in the Middle East and has reported operational profitability in the region since 2025. The company and Uber committed in February 2026 to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

In a statement, Dr Tony Han, Founder and Chief Executive of WeRide, said: “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.” Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery at Uber, added: “Bringing fully driverless vehicles to Dubai is an important milestone in making autonomous mobility a global reality.”

The RTA permit covers planned expansion into additional districts including Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investment Park, and Al Hamriya Port. The service supports Dubai’s target of 25% autonomous journeys by 2030. Uber has disclosed a beneficial ownership of approximately 5.82% of WeRide’s Class A ordinary shares.

Source: WeRide