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WeRide and Uber Expand Autonomous Robotaxi Services Across Dubai

Dubai has taken another decisive step toward the future of transportation as WeRide and Uber officially launch public autonomous Robotaxi rides in the city. Starting today, riders can book WeRide Robotaxis directly through the Uber app in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of Dubai’s most visited districts near its iconic public beaches. The service is open to all users, who can select the “Autonomous” option when requesting a ride.

Autonomous Rides Now Live on the Uber App

The Robotaxi fleet operating on Uber’s platform will be managed by Tawasul, which serves as the main fleet operator and provides end-to-end fleet management services. This collaboration ensures operational efficiency, safety oversight, and service reliability as autonomous vehicles become part of Dubai’s everyday mobility network.

The launch follows a comprehensive pilot program and months of testing since the partnership was first announced in April. The current phase includes a vehicle specialist on board to support riders and ensure a smooth, safe experience. This transitional approach is designed to pave the way for a fully driverless commercial service planned for early 2026.

Supporting Dubai’s 2030 Autonomous Mobility Goals

With a population exceeding 4 million residents, Dubai is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan centers in the Middle East. In 2024 alone, public transport, shared mobility services, and taxis recorded 153 million total trips, while shared mobility usage grew by 28% year over year. The introduction of public Robotaxi services directly supports Dubai’s ambitious target of 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.

By expanding autonomous ride-hailing options, WeRide and Uber are helping address rising demand for efficient, technology-driven mobility solutions while reinforcing the Emirate’s leadership in smart transportation.

Industry Leaders on Autonomous Expansion

Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, emphasized the significance of the milestone: “Our progress in Dubai is enabled by autonomous driving technology that has been tested and validated worldwide. We are expanding rapidly across the Middle East and globally, driven by our vision to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030.” She also highlighted the importance of collaboration with forward-looking regulators and Uber’s global platform in accelerating adoption.

Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber, added: “As the world’s largest hybrid network of human drivers and autonomous vehicles, Uber is building the future of transportation. This launch demonstrates our commitment to the UAE’s vision for mobility and directly contributes to Dubai’s autonomous journey goals.”

Strengthening the UAE’s Role in Autonomous Innovation

This launch further cements the UAE’s position as a global leader in autonomous mobility. Dubai now joins a growing list of cities worldwide where WeRide and Uber operate autonomous services. WeRide currently has nearly 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, more than 100 of which are Robotaxis, with plans to scale to thousands of vehicles in the coming years.

As autonomous technology moves from testing to real-world adoption, the partnership between WeRide and Uber highlights how innovation, regulation, and global platforms can converge to reshape urban transportation across the region and beyond.