Abu Dhabi has become the first city in the Middle East – and the first outside the United States – to host fully driverless Robotaxi operations on the Uber platform, following a landmark launch by autonomous technology specialist WeRide.
WeRide and Uber confirmed today that Level 4 Robotaxi commercial operations have begun on Yas Island, marking a regional first and a major milestone for the UAE’s smart mobility roadmap. The launch is backed by the world’s first city-level fully driverless Robotaxi permit outside the U.S., granted through close co-operation with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).
Public services officially commenced with WeRide GXRs operating entirely without an onboard safety operator. Customers can now be matched with a WeRide Robotaxi when selecting Uber Comfort or UberX. Uber has also introduced a new “Autonomous” category for riders wishing to specifically choose a driverless vehicle – the first dedicated autonomous ride option available on its platform worldwide.
The deployment is being operated jointly by WeRide and local fleet partner Tawasul, following the ITC’s approval of the first licence for a fully driverless commercial Robotaxi service in the emirate.
The launch builds on WeRide’s rapid regulatory progress over the past year, including securing a federal permit in October 2025 to operate Level 4 fully driverless Robotaxis commercially across the UAE, followed weeks later by the Abu Dhabi city-level permit.
WeRide currently operates more than 100 Robotaxis in the Middle East, with its partnership with Uber set to scale “to thousands” of vehicles in the coming years. The companies say the latest launch, combined with improved utilisation rates, means the Abu Dhabi Robotaxi service is now on track to achieve breakeven unit economics.
Four-year head start in Abu Dhabi
WeRide maintains a significant early-mover advantage in the UAE, having operated autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi since 2021. In 2023, it became the first company in the UAE to receive a national licence covering all categories of autonomous vehicles, enabling testing and operation on public roads countrywide, pending emirate-level approvals.
The Uber partnership began in December 2024 with the roll-out of the region’s largest commercial Robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China. The network expanded in July 2025 to include Al Reem and Al Maryah Island, and will extend further into Abu Dhabi’s city core by the end of the year.
The launch further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s most forward-leaning regulatory environments for autonomous mobility. The ITC has publicly backed the rollout, calling it a key milestone in the emirate’s long-term plan to integrate next-generation transport systems into public mobility networks.
The service also aligns with the UAE’s broader drive to accelerate the deployment of advanced mobility technologies, attract high-tech investment, and position local cities as global testbeds for autonomous innovation.
