WeRide’s robotaxis begin to be available on Uber’s platform in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time Uber has launched autonomous vehicles outside the US.
Chinese autonomous driving tech company WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) has begun offering robotaxi services on Uber Technologies’ (NYSE: UBER) platform in the United Arab Emirates, following a partnership between the two in late September.
WeRide’s robotaxis began being available on Uber’s ride-hailing software in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, marking the first time Uber has launched autonomous vehicles outside the US and the largest commercially operated robotaxi fleet outside the US and China, according to an announcement.
The move is backed by the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and UAE-based transportation company Tawasul Transport will serve as the fleet operator, WeRide said.
Effective immediately, Uber users in Abu Dhabi will have the opportunity to be matched with WeRide’s robotaxis when using the UberX or Uber Comfort services.
The services will initially cover the core areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and routes to and from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport, with wider coverage coming next.
In the initial phase of operation of these robotaxis, each autonomous vehicle will be equipped with a safety officer, WeRide said, without mentioning the number of vehicles available in the first batch.
In 2025, WeRide and Uber will commercialize fully unmanned robotaxi operations in the UAE, according to the company.
WeRide announced a strategic partnership with Uber on September 25 to advance the use of its autonomous vehicles on Uber’s platform, and would first launch operations in the UAE.
Notably, WeRide emphasized at the time that the partnership does not involve the US or Chinese markets.
Founded in 2017, WeRide is one of the first companies in China to focus on high-level intelligent driving solutions. On October 25, the company went public on the Nasdaq.
The company is now testing and operating autonomous driving in 30 cities in seven countries, and is the only company to have autonomous driving test licenses in four countries at the same time — China, the US, the UAE, and Singapore, according to WeRide’s website.
In July 2023, WeRide was approved to test and operate autonomous vehicles on public roads in the UAE.
Prior to the partnership with Uber, WeRide operated the largest fleet of robotaxi in the UAE, which was available to local residents through the TXAI App.
