Uber has officially introduced fully driverless rides in Abu Dhabi, partnering with Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide. This launch marks the first commercial robotaxi service without a human driver in the Middle East and expands Uber’s autonomous vehicle operations beyond the United States.
Autonomous rides now available in Abu Dhabi
Riders in Abu Dhabi can now request a WeRide robotaxi through UberX or Uber Comfort. There is also a new “Autonomous” ride category, the first dedicated self driving option globally on Uber’s platform. After two weeks of private trials, the service went live on November 26, operating initially in designated areas of Yas Island. On board support is available via the app and through an in vehicle tablet, ensuring passenger safety and assistance during rides.WeRide confirmed that public commercial operations have started without a vehicle specialist on board. The robotaxis are fully autonomous, achieving Level 4 automation. This means the vehicles can manage all driving tasks and respond to road situations independently within approved zones. Although human intervention is not required, the system includes protocols to safely stop the vehicle and allows manual takeover if necessary.
Background of Uber and WeRide partnership
Uber and WeRide first began their collaboration in Abu Dhabi in December 2024, initially offering autonomous rides with a safety operator. The partnership expanded to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October 2025, with similar services. Earlier this year, Uber rolled out robotaxi services in Austin and Atlanta, and in Phoenix in late 2023 through Alphabet’s Waymo.The companies plan to further expand the Abu Dhabi service by the end of 2025 to cover more areas within the city’s core, including Al Reem and Al Maryah. Currently, WeRide operates over 100 robotaxis in the Middle East and maintains a first mover advantage in the UAE, having been active in autonomous vehicle operations since 2021. In 2023, WeRide became the first company in the UAE to receive a national license allowing all types of self driving vehicles to be tested and operated on public roads, subject to local approvals.
Global expansion and industry context
WeRide has already deployed fully driverless services in Beijing and Guangzhou, China, while Uber continues to expand its autonomous vehicle operations globally. In May 2025, Uber announced plans to introduce WeRide robotaxis in 15 additional cities, including locations in Europe, over the next five years. The company has also secured a six year robotaxi agreement with electric vehicle maker Lucid and autonomous vehicle startup Nuro.Competitors are adopting similar technology. Lyft, for example, partnered with Waymo in September 2025 to launch robotaxi services in Nashville next year. Despite these moves, Uber has not disclosed how revenue from autonomous rides is shared with its partners.
Service details and passenger experience
In Abu Dhabi, passengers can increase their chances of getting a robotaxi by selecting the autonomous option in the app. The vehicles operate in designated zones with safety measures built in, including on-board support and the ability for passengers to interact with the system through a tablet. The robotaxis promise hands-free driving in approved areas while maintaining safety protocols that allow the vehicle to stop or enable manual intervention if needed.This launch represents a significant milestone for both Uber and WeRide, expanding the reach of autonomous vehicles in the Middle East and demonstrating the commercial viability of fully driverless robotaxis outside the US and China.
