Autonomous driving technology leader WeRide has announced a strategic partnership with Uber, the world’s largest mobility and delivery platform, to introduce self-driving vehicles on the Uber platform in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The partnership will initially launch in Abu Dhabi later this year, marking a major step in the evolution of autonomous mobility in the region.
Through the agreement, a dedicated fleet of WeRide autonomous vehicles will be integrated into Uber’s app, allowing riders in Abu Dhabi to select a WeRide vehicle when booking a trip. Riders using the Uber app will have the option to experience a self-driving vehicle, a first for the platform in the region. The partnership, however, does not include plans for expansion into the United States or China at this stage.
The collaboration was formalized in a signing ceremony attended by Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s Senior Vice President of Mobility & Business Operations, and Hua Zhong, Senior Vice President of WeRide. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and WeRide Founder and CEO Tony Han were present to witness the agreement.
WeRide, which already operates the UAE’s largest robotaxi fleet through its TXAI app, has been at the forefront of autonomous driving technology in the region. In July 2023, the company was awarded the UAE’s first national license for self-driving vehicles, allowing it to test and operate its fleet on public roads nationwide. This new partnership with Uber will further cement WeRide’s presence in the UAE’s mobility landscape.
Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are honored to partner with Uber to bring our autonomous technology to a global audience. By combining our expertise with Uber’s platform, we aim to provide affordable, sustainable, and safe mobility solutions, starting in the UAE.”
Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi echoed Han’s sentiments, noting that the partnership is a step toward the future of mobility. “The future of mobility is increasingly shared, electric, and autonomous. We are excited to collaborate with WeRide to bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities like Abu Dhabi and beyond,” Khosrowshahi said.
As the partnership moves forward, Abu Dhabi residents will be among the first to experience this cutting-edge technology, showcasing the UAE’s position as a hub for innovation in autonomous mobility.
