WeRide launches first fully driverless taxis in Middle East
Abu Dhabi pioneers first fully driverless robotaxi service
#UAE #AVs - Global autonomous driving technology leader WeRide has launched the Middle East's first fully driverless robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi, operating without safety drivers for the first time. The company is simultaneously extending the capital’s robotaxi service coverage to Al Maryah Island, the UAE capital's financial hub home to Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Al Reem Island, a residential, retail, and commercial district. This expansion builds upon the capital’s existing autonomous vehicle network that has served Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Zayed International Airport routes since 2021.
SO WHAT? - The new WeRide deployment is a breakthrough for autonomous transportation in the Middle East, moving from supervised trials to fully driverless operations. As the holder of the UAE's first and only national licence for self-driving vehicles, WeRide's expansion demonstrates Abu Dhabi's success in creating a regulatory environment that attracts and supports cutting-edge mobility companies. The introduction of driverless tazi services to Al Maryah and Al Reem islands brings autonomous technology to high-traffic business and residential areas, accelerating public adoption and positioning Abu Dhabi as an innovation hub.
Here are some key points regarding WeRide’s new Abu Dhabi robotaxi services:
Autonomous driving technology leader WeRide has launched fully driverless taxi trial on Al Maryah Island, the UAE capital's financial hub and home to Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Al Reem Island, a residential, retail, and commercial district.
Operating without human safety drivers for the first time, WeRide's new robotaxi service marks the first deployment of autonomous vehicles without human drivers anywhere in the Middle East, distinguishing it from previous trials in the region where authorities have required human supervisors for safety purposes.
The company established a strategic partnership with Uber in December 2024, creating the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the US and China, with dedicated WeRide vehicles available through the Uber app.
As a member of Abu Dhabi's Infrastructure, Regulations, and Pilot Acceleration Working Group, WeRide actively contributes to developing the regulatory framework and infrastructure needed for autonomous mobility.
WeRide received the UAE's first national licence for self-driving vehicles in July 2023, granting it unique authorisation to test and operate autonomous vehicles on public roads throughout the country.
Meanwhile, in April of this year, WeRide announced a partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to integrate robotaxi services into Dubai's transportation network.
The company plans to progressively introduce commercial driverless rides across its expanded service areas beginning summer 2025, pending final regulatory approvals.
WeRide operates its Middle East headquarters within Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster at Masdar City, and was the first AV manufacturer to establish permanent operations in the region.
ZOOM OUT - Abu Dhabi's progression to fully driverless operations follows four years of methodical testing and refinement: the Middle East’s longest-running public autonomous vehicle trial. G42 subsidiary Bayanat (now part of Space42), The Department of Municipalities and Transport, and WeRide have been operating an ongoing trial with driverless taxi and bus services on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island since 2021. The success of the trials was instrumental in the 2023 establishment of the Smart & Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster at Masdar City, with dedicated test areas on Yas Island.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
Read more about WeRide in the UAE:
RTA, Uber & WeRide partner for Dubai robotaxi services (Middle East AI News)
Abu Dhabi confirms anchor deals for SAVI (Middle East AI News)
Abu Dhabi announces new smart mobility cluster (Middle East AI News)
G42 starts driverless taxi service trials in Abu Dhabi (Middle East AI News)