The service began immediately on Yas Island, where passengers can book WeRide autonomous vehicles through the Uber app using UberX, Uber Comfort, or a new dedicated "Autonomous" option – the first such category introduced globally by Uber.
Abu Dhabi becomes the first city outside the United States to host Uber's completely driverless service. It also received the world's first city-level commercial permit for fully unmanned robotaxi operations issued outside the U.S.
The launch results from extended cooperation between WeRide, Uber, the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), and local partner Tawasul Transport Company.
WeRide obtained a UAE federal license in October 2025 that authorizes fully driverless commercial operations nationwide. Subsequently, the ITC granted Abu Dhabi's first commercial unmanned robotaxi permit to WeRide and Tawasul, enabling the joint service on the Uber platform.
With the new regulatory approvals and improving vehicle utilization rates, WeRide and Uber expect individual vehicles in the Abu Dhabi fleet to achieve operational breakeven soon.
The companies plan significant fleet growth in the region, targeting several thousand autonomous vehicles within the next few years and tens of thousands by 2030.
WeRide has maintained operations in Abu Dhabi since 2021, becoming the first company in the UAE to secure a national-level autonomous driving license for all vehicle classes in 2023.
The partnership between WeRide and Uber in Abu Dhabi started in December 2024, initially establishing the largest commercial robotaxi service outside China and the United States. Coverage expanded in July 2025 to include nearly half of the city's main urban districts, such as Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island. By the end of 2025, the service area is scheduled to extend further across the capital.
Currently, WeRide operates approximately 150 autonomous vehicles throughout the Middle East, supporting the ongoing development of driverless mobility in the region.
