WeRide has officially launched the Middle East’s first fully driverless Robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi.
The trial, which commenced this quarter, features a fleet of the Chinese mobility expert’s WeRide Robotaxis operating on public roads without onboard safety drivers.
The landmark trial makes Abu Dhabi the first city in the region to host fully autonomous vehicles in live urban environments, cementing the emirate’s status as a global innovation hub for next-generation mobility. The trial builds on WeRide’s existing network, which has provided autonomous transport services across Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and corridors leading to Zayed International Airport since 2021.
In a further expansion of its service footprint, WeRide has announced the extension of Robotaxi coverage to two key urban centres: Al Maryah Island, the city’s bustling financial district and home to the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Al Reem Island, a thriving residential and retail destination. The move is designed to meet growing demand for smart transport options in high-traffic, high-density areas.
“WeRide makes history as the first company to pilot fully driverless Robotaxis in the Middle East region, showcasing our autonomous leadership in one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments,” said Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International Business at WeRide. “In parallel, we’re expanding commercial service to high-demand areas like Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands – bringing smart mobility solutions to more users in the Middle East. Together, these demonstrate our technological maturity while moving us closer to mass commercialization of Robotaxis.”
The deployment follows a series of strategic milestones for WeRide in the UAE. In July 2023, it became the first company to be awarded a national self-driving vehicle licence by UAE authorities, allowing it to operate autonomous vehicles on public roads across the country. This was followed in December 2024 by the launch of a partnership with Uber in Abu Dhabi, establishing the largest commercial Robotaxi network outside of the US and China.
WeRide’s regional operations are also supported through its role in the Abu Dhabi Smart & Autonomous Systems Council. As part of the council’s Infrastructure, Regulations, and Pilot Acceleration Working Group, WeRide advises on the development of regulatory frameworks and smart infrastructure to accelerate the safe integration of autonomous mobility into the UAE’s urban transport systems.
Commercial driverless rides and further service area expansions are expected to roll out progressively from summer 2025, pending regulatory approvals. The move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader goals of positioning itself at the forefront of future mobility and reducing reliance on traditional vehicle ownership through shared, intelligent transport solutions.
